Find Applied Force: Mass, Accel Given

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving two masses connected by a pulley system. The original poster seeks to determine the applied force necessary to accelerate one mass (4.5 kg) at a specified rate (0.25 m/s²) while considering the weight of the other mass (3.0 kg). The problem involves concepts from mechanics, specifically Newton's laws of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various equations related to net force and gravitational force, attempting to incorporate the given masses and acceleration into their calculations. Some express confusion over the application of forces and the signs used in their equations. Others suggest drawing free body diagrams to clarify the forces acting on each mass.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts at calculations and questioning the reasoning behind certain steps. Some guidance has been provided regarding the need to apply Newton's second law and the importance of free body diagrams, but no consensus has been reached regarding the correct approach or final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the assumption of a frictionless pulley and express uncertainty about the signs of forces in their equations. There is also a mention of the need to clarify the relationship between force and mass in the context of the problem.

Coco12
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Homework Statement



The mass of the two objects on both sides if the pulley is given. So is the acceleration to start moving. It's asking to find the applied force. How do I do that?
Mass of 1- 4.5kg
Mass if 2- 3.0 kg
How much force must u exert to get M1 to accelerate at .25m/s2

Homework Equations


Fnet= ma
-F1g+ f2g= (m1+m2)a

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried putting Fa into the fnet equation and solving for Fa but. It's not working??
 
Last edited:
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4.5(a) = 4.5(9.8) - 3(9.8) - F
if a = .25

F = 13.575 Newtons added to mass 2 in order to slow the decent of mass 1 to .25m/s^2. Assuming frictionless pulley.
 
The answer is supposed to be 17N
 
origamipro said:
4.5(a) = 4.5(9.8) - 3(9.8) - F
if a = .25

F = 13.575 Newtons added to mass 2 in order to slow the decent of mass 1 to .25m/s^2. Assuming frictionless pulley.

It's just asking the applied force needed to open the window which is M1
 
The other person who replied said that you need to add what they got (13.575) to M2, which is 3
Rounding that gives you 17
 
-F
-3(9.8) + T = 3a
4.5(9.8) - T = 4.5a
-F -3(9.8) +4.5(9.8) = 7.5a

solve for F the force.
12.825 Newtons
 
Solutions should be attempted by the requestor, not the responder.
Draw free body diagrams of each mass, and apply Newton's Laws to each mass.
The book answer looks correct.
 
Just wondering why is the force F- and why the 4.5(9.8) isn't negative since that's on the left side of the pulley?? The applied force is going up the pulley on the left so..
 
Coco12 said:
Just wondering why is the force F- and why the 4.5(9.8) isn't negative since that's on the left side of the pulley?? The applied force is going up the pulley on the left so..
Ok so m1 is the 4.5 Kg window on the left, its weight acts down on it, you apply a force F upward on it to open it, and together with the cord tension acting up on it, it accelerates up at 0.25 m/s^2. Apply Newton's 2nd law, and continue on , next identifying the net force acting on m2 which accelerates m2 downward at 0.25 m/s^2...
 
  • #10
PhanthomJay said:
Ok so m1 is the 4.5 Kg window on the left, its weight acts down on it, you apply a force F upward on it to open it, and together with the cord tension acting up on it, it accelerates up at 0.25 m/s^2. Apply Newton's 2nd law, and continue on , next identifying the net force acting on m2 which accelerates m2 downward at 0.25 m/s^2...

Ok I understand it now however why do u have to add the mass to the 12.825N ? How can u add mass to a N force?
 
  • #11
Coco12 said:
Ok I understand it now however why do u have to add the mass to the 12.825N ? How can u add mass to a N force?

You can't. You should attempt the problem yourself rather than follow someone elses work.

Let's look again at the window, which has a mass m1 = 4.5 kg. Draw a free body diagram. The windows weight, m1(g) acts down. You apply a Force F, up. The tension, T, in the cord acts up (tension forces always pull away from the objects on which they act).

Now apply Newton's 2nd law, F_net = ma, thus

F + T -(m1)g = m1(a)

That is your first equation. You know m1, g, and a, but you still have 2 unknowns, F and T, so you need a second equation. You can get that second equation by drawing a free body diagram of m2, the 3 kg mass, and identifying the forces acting on it, and applying Newton's 2nd law. What do you get?
 
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