F=ma experiment: Trolley being pulled by a falling weight

[coverband]

Homework Statement

Hope I’m posting this in the right area!

Relevant Equations

Experiment involves connecting a trolley to a perpendicular weight via pulley string

The weight accelerating/pulling the trolley is changed and corresponding acceleration recorded. What I don’t understand is why the weight added/removed to the hanging weight is removed/added to the trolley

 

[kuruman]

What is the equation for the acceleration of the system? Write it down and see what happens when you keep the sum of the masses fixed in a plot of acceleration vs. hanging mass.

 

[coverband]

What is the equation for the acceleration of the system? Write it down and see what happens when you keep the sum of the masses fixed in a plot of acceleration vs. hanging mass.

Thank you. I neglected the tension on the hanging weight in it’s free body diagram