How Do You Calculate Acceleration with Different Masses and Friction?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the acceleration of three masses on a rough table with a specified coefficient of kinetic friction. The scenario includes frictionless pulleys and requires an understanding of forces acting on each mass.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss setting up force diagrams and identifying forces acting on each mass, including normal force, tension, and gravitational force. There is uncertainty about how to proceed with the calculations and the need for a visual representation of the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on drawing free body diagrams and applying Newton's Second Law. There is recognition that the blocks share the same acceleration and that the tensions in the ropes differ, leading to multiple equations being formed. However, there is no explicit consensus on the next steps or the overall approach.

Contextual Notes

The discussion notes the absence of a visual diagram, which is necessary for a complete understanding of the forces involved. Additionally, there is mention of the need for approval for attachments, which may be impacting the flow of the discussion.

Chuck 86
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Homework Statement



The table is rough and has a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.395. The three masses are m1 = 3.69 kg, m2 = 1.34 kg, and m3 = 1.82 kg, and the pulleys are frictionless. Determine the magnitude of the acceleration of each block.

EF=ma



The Attempt at a Solution



i set up force diagrams but i don't really know what I am suppose to find or how
 
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Hi Chuck86, welcome to PF.

There is no drawing with your question, but this sort of problem in general requires you to

1. Add all the forces in your fee body diagram to get the net force (what you call EF)
2. Set the horizontal component of the net force equal to the mass of your system times the horizontal component of the acceleration to get one equation.
3. Repeat with the vertical components of net force and acceleration to get a second equation.
4. Solve the equations for the unknown(s).
 
thanks that helps but the forces that act on it are in m2: normal force, t1, t2, and the rate of gravity? m1&m3 : rate of gravity, and tension?

i tried to attach a copy of the picture
 

Attachments

  • tension diagram.gif
    tension diagram.gif
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I can't guess what the diagram looks like so until it is approved, try to do what you can.
 
ok. i didnt know it needed approval
 
Draw three free body diagrams, one for each mass. Write Newton's Second law for each of the diagrams. Note that the blocks have the same acceleration and that the tensions in the ropes are not equal. If they were, the block on the table would not accelerate. You will have three equations and three unknowns, the acceleration and the two tensions.
 

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