Finding Acceleration: Mass Ratio & Force Applied to Particles

  • Thread starter Thread starter SalsaOnMyTaco
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Acceleration
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the application of force to two particles with different masses and their resulting accelerations. The original poster presents a scenario where a force applied to two particles, m1 and m2, results in different accelerations, prompting a question about the acceleration of the combined system when both particles are glued together.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between mass and acceleration, referencing the equation F=ma. There is an attempt to establish a ratio of masses based on their respective accelerations, but some express uncertainty about how to set up the problem without specific mass values. Others suggest using the force equation for each particle to derive a relationship among the variables.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of the force equation, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach to take. The conversation reflects a mix of ideas and attempts to clarify the relationships involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of specific mass values for the particles, which participants identify as a constraint in solving the problem. Additionally, the original poster expresses uncertainty about the setup of the problem, indicating that further clarification may be needed.

SalsaOnMyTaco
Messages
32
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A certain Force applied to a particle of m1 gives it an acceleration of 20m/s2. The same Force applied to a particle of m2 gives it an acceleration of 30m/s2. If the two particles are glued together and the same force is applied to the combination, find the acceleration.

Homework Equations


F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


m2/m1=a2/a1 would be helpful if a mass was given. No idea how to set up this problem.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
SalsaOnMyTaco said:

Homework Statement


A certain Force applied to a particle of m1 gives it an acceleration of 20m/s2. The same Force applied to a particle of m2 gives it an acceleration of 30m/s2. If the two particles are glued together and the same force is applied to the combination, find the acceleration.

Homework Equations


F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


m2/m1=a2/a1 would be helpful if a mass was given. No idea how to set up this problem.
Have you learned that acceleration is directly proportional to force, and inversely proportional to mass ?
 
Yes, when mass increases, acceleration decreases/Mass decreases, acceleration increases.
 
SalsaOnMyTaco said:
Yes, when mass increases, acceleration decreases/Mass decreases, acceleration increases.

So, m2/m1=a2/a1 is incorrect.

Why not use F = ma for each particle:

The force is the same for each particle. That should give you a correct relation among m2, m1, a2, and a1 .
 

Similar threads

Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
12K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K