Finding Gravitational Acceleration with Atwood Machine Graphs

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around analyzing three graphs related to an Atwood machine: acceleration versus total mass, acceleration versus mass difference, and acceleration versus inverse total mass. The original poster seeks to determine how to extract gravitational acceleration from these graphs for a lab report.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the potential relationship between the slope of the graphs and gravitational acceleration. There are inquiries about how gravitational force relates to the presented graphs, and some participants discuss the proportional relationships indicated by the equations of motion for the system.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing insights and seeking clarification on the relationships between the variables. Some guidance has been offered regarding the proportionality of acceleration to mass difference and inverse total mass, but there is no explicit consensus on how to derive gravitational acceleration from the graphs.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is under time constraints as the lab report is due soon, which may influence the urgency and nature of the discussion.

snsquare
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Homework Statement



I have 3 graphs: acceleration vs. total mass, acceleration vs. mass difference, and acceleration vs. inverse total mass.

How can I get the gravitational acceleration from these 3 graphs ?

I am doing a lab report on word and excel

Homework Equations



I don't think there is one, may be it will be the slope ??

The Attempt at a Solution



I think finding the slope of those graphs ? But what wil be the relationship between slope and gravitational acceleration ?
 
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Can anyone give some inputs. I really need help now. My lab is due tomorrow.
 
What do you guys think is the relationship between gravitational force and those 3 graphs ?
 
For a system with only two masses over a single pulley:

[tex]a = \frac{(m1 - m2)g}{m1 + m2}[/tex]

so acceleration is directly proportional to mass difference (m1 - m2), and directly proportional to "inverse total mass" 1/(m1 + m2).
 

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