How Do You Calculate the Acceleration of a Mass in a Pulley System?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the acceleration of a mass in a pulley system with a 1.0 kg mass (mA) and a 4.0 kg mass (mB), the net force can be determined using the equation Fnet = ma = FB - FA. The force acting on the hanging objects is influenced by gravity, where Fhanging object = m x acceleration due to gravity. The user has repeatedly calculated the acceleration as 7.35 m/s² but is advised that this value is incorrect. A request for step-by-step calculations indicates that the community aims to identify the error in the user's approach. Correctly applying the equations and understanding the forces involved is crucial for finding the accurate acceleration.
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Homework Statement



A 1.0 kg mass (mA) and a 4.0 kg mass (mB) are attached to a lightweight cord that passes over a frictionless pulley. The hanging masses are free to move. Find the acceleration of the larger mass.

Homework Equations



Fnet = ma = FB-FA
Fhanging object=m x acceleration due to gravity

The Attempt at a Solution



I've gotten 7.35m/s/s about thirty times now but the homework is on webassign and I only have one last try to get it right. It's high school physics, a college prep class, so I expect someone can figure it out.

Other

The masses are on opposite sides of the pulleys.
 
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It's not 7.35m/s^2... can you show your steps. Then we can point out where you're going wrong.
 
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