Free body diagrams and Newton's Law

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving two masses, m1 and m2, connected by a cord over a frictionless pulley. The user has created a free body diagram (FBD) for the entire system and identified the resultant force as F=mg, which represents the weight of both masses. However, there is uncertainty about the next steps in solving for the mass of the hanging mass m2 given the tension T and the mass m1. It is suggested that analyzing separate FBDs for each mass may provide clearer insights into the forces at play. Understanding the relationship between tension, mass, and acceleration is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
Kenny Wallace
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Homework Statement


2 masses, m1 and m2 are connected by a cord and placed on a frictionless table as
shown in the diagram below. m1 slides on the frictionless table while m2 is hanging from a light frictionless pulley.
What would be the mass of the hanging mass m2 if we know that the tension in the cord is T and the mass of the sliding mass is m1
upload_2015-5-1_17-26-20.png


The Attempt at a Solution


I drew a free body diagram for the system as a whole then I got that resultant force on the whole system is F=mg since it is only the weight of the two blocks. I don't really know how to go on from there.
 
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It's generally better to consider a separate FBD for each body.
 
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