The discussion revolves around a two-mass system involving a mass on an incline plane and another mass hanging off the incline, connected by a rope and pulley. Participants are exploring how the configuration affects potential energy within the system.
The discussion is active, with various interpretations being explored regarding the contributions of each mass to the potential energy. Some participants have offered insights into the relationship between the heights of the masses and the potential energy calculations, while others have raised questions about the system's configuration.
There are indications that participants are considering the implications of different heights for each mass and the effects of gravitational acceleration. The conversation reflects a mix of understanding and uncertainty regarding the setup and its impact on potential energy.
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.
In that case, its potential energy changes.Larrytsai said:m2 can rise or fall
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.
Hello QuantumJock. Welcome to PF !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