Force: two pulley problem with 3 masses

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving a glider connected to two hanging masses via pulleys. The participant correctly identifies that the acceleration of all objects must be equal. They derive equations for the tensions T1 and T2 based on the forces acting on each mass. However, they find discrepancies in their calculated values for acceleration and tensions compared to the provided answers. The participant expresses confusion about their errors and seeks clarification on their calculations.
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Homework Statement


A 0.840- kg glider on a level air track is joined by strings to two hanging masses. As seen in the figure, the mass on the left is 4.85 kg and the one on the right is 3.62 kg The strings have negligible mass and pass over light, frictionless pulleys. Find the acceleration of the masses and T1 and T2.

Problem and figure


Homework Equations



I assume all a's are equal because a of each object has to be equal to the a of the glider.

\SigmaF =ma

The Attempt at a Solution


\SigmaFobject1=T1-W
m*-a=T1-(4.85*9.81)
T1= -4.85a+4.85*9.81 (equation 1)


\SigmaFobject2=T2-W
3.62a=T2-(3.62*9.81)
T2=3.62a+(3.62*9.81) (equation 2)


\SigmaFobject3=T2-T1
-0.840a=T2-T1 (equation 3)

plugging eq1 and 2 into eq 3
-0.840a=3.62a+35.51-(-4.85a+47.58)
-0.84a-3.62a-4.85a=-12.07
a=.771m/sˆ2
T2=38.3N, T1=38.9N

the answers are a=1.30m/sˆ2 T1=41.3N T2=40.2

I can't figure out what I did wrong!
 
Last edited:
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Check the file you uploaded - Doesn't look like a physics problem to me.
 
sorry! -__- the right problem is written in now.
 
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