Finding acceleration in multiple pulley system

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the acceleration of the rightmost object in a system of pulleys and ropes, with the masses of the black dots being equal and the pulleys and ropes being massless. The attempt at a solution involves treating the left and middle pulleys as one system and using the equations Fnet=∑F:ma=T-mg and d=v1t+1/2at^2, but there is a mistake in the calculation of ma1. The justification for treating the two pulleys as one system is also questioned.
  • #1
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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  • #2
Aireaz said:
ma1 = 4T-2mg
Think about that again.
(You ought to justify the statement that those two pulleys can be treated as one.)
 

1. What is a multiple pulley system?

A multiple pulley system is a mechanism composed of two or more pulleys connected by a belt or rope. The purpose of a multiple pulley system is to change the direction and magnitude of the force applied to move an object.

2. How do you find the acceleration in a multiple pulley system?

To find the acceleration in a multiple pulley system, the following steps can be followed:1. Identify the number of pulleys in the system.2. Determine the direction of motion of the object.3. Calculate the total mass of the object and any attached masses.4. Use Newton's second law of motion, F=ma, to calculate the net force acting on the object.5. Use the equation a=F/m to calculate the acceleration of the object.

3. What factors affect the acceleration in a multiple pulley system?

The acceleration in a multiple pulley system is affected by the mass of the object, the force applied, and the friction present in the system. The number and arrangement of pulleys can also affect the acceleration, as well as the angle at which the force is applied.

4. Can the acceleration in a multiple pulley system be greater than the force applied?

Yes, the acceleration in a multiple pulley system can be greater than the force applied. This is due to the mechanical advantage of the pulley system, which allows for a smaller force to be applied to move a larger mass.

5. What is the difference between linear and angular acceleration in a multiple pulley system?

Linear acceleration refers to the change in velocity of the object in a straight line, while angular acceleration refers to the change in rotational velocity of the pulleys. In a multiple pulley system, both types of acceleration may be present and must be considered when calculating the overall acceleration of the object.

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