Gioncoli 4th ed chap4 q59, tension

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing the forces and tensions in a system of masses, specifically focusing on the relationship between tension, acceleration, and angles in a physics context. The subject area pertains to dynamics and tension in strings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to establish relationships between tension, acceleration, and angles using equations derived from the forces acting on the masses. Some participants question the assumptions made regarding the accelerations of the masses.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's reasoning, providing clarifications about the relationship between the accelerations of the masses. There is a recognition of the need to correctly interpret the problem setup, and guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between the accelerations.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses difficulty in eliminating a variable from their equations, indicating potential constraints in the problem setup or assumptions that may need further exploration.

Idoubt
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Homework Statement



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Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I assumed to meet the condition, there can be no vertical acceleration so if i assume the string of mass mB to make an angle theta with the vertical, then if T is tension,

Tcos(theta) = mBg ...1
Tsin(theta) =mBax...2Since the 2 masses are relatively at rest then their acceleration (horizontal ) should be equal

so T = mAax...3

eq 2\3 gives sin(theta) = mB\mA

solving eq 3 and 1 i get ax=gtan(theta)

also

mcac=F-T-Tsin(theta)

and mCaC=F-(mA+mB)ax

But I can't find a way to get rid of aC

Is there something wrong with my approach or reasoning?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Hi Idoubt! :smile:
Idoubt said:
But I can't find a way to get rid of aC

No, that's fine …

aC is aX :wink:​
 
mA does not move relative to mC, so aC = ax .
 
Doh ! *slaps myself*... *twice*...*moans in agony*...

gotta remember to read questions properly before diving in :blushing:

thx guys
 
Last edited:

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