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Agent M27
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Homework Statement
Two objects are connected via a light string that passes over a frictionless pulley. Assuming the incline is frictionless, m1=2 Kg m2=6 Kg and [tex]\theta[/tex]=55. Find the acceleration of the objects and the tension in string.
This porblem is set up with m1 hanging vertically from the pulley and m2 is resting on the inclined portion connect to the same string.
Homework Equations
[tex]\Sigma[/tex]F=ma
The Attempt at a Solution
What I did is I found the tension in the string using the equation of motion for the mass m1/SUB]:
[tex]\Sigma[/tex]F=T-mg=ma
T=m1g+m1a
I choose the acceleration to be positive here because were this a true situation this would be the direction of motion of the system.
I then wrote an equation of motion for the mass m2/SUB]:
[tex]\Sigma[/tex]F= mgsin[tex]\theta[/tex]-T=-ma
I choose this as the EQ of motion because mgsin\theta will provide more of a force than the tension of the rope, and I choose -ma because this portion of the system is traveling in the opposite direction.
Plugging in my equation for T I arrive at the following eq for the acceleration of the system, which is equal due to them being connected.
a=[tex]\frac{m_{2}gsin\theta - m_{1}g}{(m_{1}-m_{2})}[/tex]
Basically I am wondering if I am correct, and also what is a solid method for determining the order of the terms in the EQ of motion? Thanks
Joe
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