How Does the Incline Plane Affect Potential Energy in a Two-Mass System?

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In a two-mass system with mass m1 on an incline and mass m2 hanging, both masses contribute to the system's potential energy. The potential energy is calculated using the formula PE = g*(m1*height1 + m2*height2), where the heights are specific to each mass. Changes in height for m2 affect the potential energy, as it can rise or fall, while m1's height change is determined by the incline's angle. The key takeaway is that potential energy is influenced by the heights of both masses, despite m1 being on the incline. Understanding the relationship between the two masses is essential for calculating the system's potential energy and determining m1's velocity after leaving the ramp.
Larrytsai
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If I have a mass m1 sitting on an incline plane attached by a rope and a pulley to another mass m2 hanging off the incline plane, what would be the potential energy?

I was thinking that m1 only plays a role on the potential energy.
 
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Larrytsai said:
If I have a mass m1 sitting on an incline plane attached by a rope and a pulley to another mass m2 hanging off the incline plane, what would be the potential energy?

I was thinking that m1 only plays a role on the potential energy.

Can m2 also rise and/or fall ?
 
m2 can rise or fall
 
Larrytsai said:
m2 can rise or fall
In that case, its potential energy changes.

Is m2 part of the system ?
 
yes m2 is conneced by a rope and I would like to find the velocity of m1 after it leaves the ramp.

So if it does change the systems potential energy would it just be

PE = g*(m1*height + m2*height)

the height of each respective mass are different.
 
Larrytsai said:
yes m2 is connected by a rope and I would like to find the velocity of m1 after it leaves the ramp.

So if it does change the systems potential energy would it just be

PE = g*(m1*height + m2*height)

the height of each respective mass are different.

Yes, the height of each respective mass is different. All that matters is change in height. Mass, m1, is on an inclined plane, so when the height of m2 decreases by Δh, the height of m1 increases by a lesser amount. Use trig to relate the two.
 
Potential energy will not affected by the other mass.

PE = mgh , mass x gravity x height.

You know the mass, and you know gravity is equal to 9.81 so you will need to know the height.

Jock
 
QuantumJock said:
Potential energy will not affected by the other mass.

PE = mgh , mass x gravity x height.

You know the mass, and you know gravity is equal to 9.81 so you will need to know the height.

Jock
Hello QuantumJock. Welcome to PF !

You have replied to a thread which has been idle for several months .
 
Oh woops I'm sorry! Still new!

Jock
 

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