Find the acceleration of the hanging block

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of a hanging block in a two-block, two-pulley system, considering massless pulleys and no friction. The key equations derived include T1 = m1a1 for the first block and T2 - m2g = -m2a2 for the second block, leading to the relationship 2T1 = T2 for the pulley. The final acceleration formula established is a2 = m2g / (4m1 + m2), confirming the relationship between the accelerations of the two masses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F=ma)
  • Knowledge of free body diagrams (FBD) for analyzing forces
  • Familiarity with pulley systems and tension forces
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of pulley mechanics in physics
  • Learn how to derive acceleration equations in multi-body systems
  • Explore the effects of friction in pulley systems
  • Investigate real-world applications of pulleys in engineering
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators and tutors looking for examples of pulley systems and acceleration calculations.

  • #61
Emily_20 said:
Thank you so much! you're my genius hero lol. Thank you everyone else who helped me too I appreciate it very much you saved me!

You are welcome.:D
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #62
Emily_20 said:
I understand everything so far but I am confused about this part:" If m2 is pulled by 'x' distance then m1 is pulled by '2x' distance.

So a1=2a2." how did you know that the distance is 2x?

This part is confusing too.
1418ljc (2).jpg


If m2 is lowered down by 'x' then string on the left side of the pulley is increased by 'x' and string on the right side of the pulley is also increased by 'x'.
Hence, m1 covers distance 2x if m2 is lowered down by distance 'x'.

There are two pulleys here I am talking about the movable pulley.
 
  • #63
Emily_20 said:
a2=m2g/(4m1+m2) is the final answer correct?

Yes, ##a_{2}=\frac{m_{2}g}{4m_{1}+m_{2}}##
 
  • #64
Thank you, your awesome!
 
  • #65
Emily_20 said:
Thank you, your awesome!

You are welcome.:)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
8K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K