Energy Conservations and Transformations with Two Objects

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving two masses connected by a string over a frictionless pulley. The objective is to determine the speed of the system when the 350g mass reaches the ground. Key points include the initial heights and masses, with the 350g mass starting at 1.5m above the ground. Participants are encouraged to analyze the gravitational potential energy changes for both masses and apply the conservation of energy principle, using the equation E2=E1. The challenge lies in correctly incorporating both masses into the calculations to find the final speed.
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Homework Statement



Masses of 350g and 175g are attached by a light string and hanging straight down from a light frictionless pulley. The 350g mass is 1.5m above the ground. What speed will the system have when the 350g mass hits the ground.

My attempt at a data list is (after i drew a diagram)

mA=350g
mB=175g
vA1=0m/s
vA2=?
hA1=1.5m
hA2=0m

Assume Gravity is 9.8m/s [down]



Homework Equations



Wnc=E2-E1
E2=E1



The Attempt at a Solution



I can not figure out how to figure out this question as I am not sure how my formula should look to include both masses in the situation.
 
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The two masses are connected by a string, so they have the same speed. And if one goes down, the other goes up by the same distance.

How does the gravitational potential energy change, when the masses move? Figure out the change for each mass and add them.
 
so should i be using the formula E2=E1 to figure it out?
 
Sure. Where E is the total mechanical energy.
 

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