Finding acceleration in multiple pulley system

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of an object in a multiple pulley system, specifically addressing the rightmost object on a single hanging rope. The equations of motion used include Fnet = ∑F : ma = T - mg and d = v1t + 1/2at^2. The user attempts to derive the relationship between the accelerations of the pulleys and ultimately arrives at a conclusion of a2 = 8g/15, which is identified as incorrect. The need for clarification on treating the left and middle pulleys as a single system is emphasized.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law of motion (F = ma)
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations, particularly d = v1t + 1/2at^2
  • Knowledge of pulley systems and their mechanics
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations to solve for unknowns
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of pulley systems and their acceleration relationships
  • Study the derivation of kinematic equations in the context of multiple objects
  • Learn about tension in ropes and its effect on acceleration in pulley systems
  • Examine examples of similar problems to reinforce understanding of the concepts
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and pulley systems, as well as educators looking for examples of problem-solving in dynamics.

Aireaz
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Homework Statement


All the masses of the black dots are the same, the pulleys and ropes are massless.
Calculate the acceleration of the right most object (the one that is just on the single hanging rope)

Homework Equations


Fnet= ∑F : ma=T-mg
d= v1t + 1/2at^2

The Attempt at a Solution


The left pulley and the middle pulley can be thought of as one system, therefore ma1 = 4T-2mg
The right pulley is simply ma2=mg - T
If the right rope was pulled down a distance of d then the two ropes on the middle and left rope will go up d/2 making it d= 4 * 1/4d. This means looking at the acceleration formula, d = 1/2a2t^2 (v1=0) and 1/4d = 1/2a1t^2, I found that a2=4a1 (as 1/4d=1/2a1 isolate for d which is d=2a1 which substituted in d=1/2a2 gets 2a1=1/2a2 giving 4a1=a2)
now it can be substituted into the fnet equation. if a1=-a2/4 (since one pulley accelerates in one direction and the other in the opposite direction). ma1=4T-2mg becomes m(-a2/4) = 4T-mg and will yield (-ma2+8mg)/16 = T
T can be substituted in the other fnet equation leading to ma2 = mg - (-ma2+8mg)/16 which calculated yields 16ma2 = 16mg - 8mg + ma2 and finally leads into 15a2=8g.
the answer should be a2=8g/15 however something is wrong as this is not an answer that is correct. Can someone help me see what is incorrect?
 

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Aireaz said:
ma1 = 4T-2mg
Think about that again.
(You ought to justify the statement that those two pulleys can be treated as one.)
 

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