How to Find Accelerations in a Two-Object Pulley System?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of a two-object pulley system where one object (5 kg) is on a frictionless surface and the other (2 kg) is hanging. The weight of the objects is calculated using the formula w = (mass)(gravity), resulting in w1 = 49 N for the surface object and w2 = 19.6 N for the hanging object. By applying Newton's second law and analyzing the forces acting on both objects, the acceleration can be determined without needing additional force quantities.

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Homework Statement


Two objects of different masses are tied together by a pulley string. One object is on a horizontal, frictionless surface, and the other is hanging over the edge of the surface. The object on the surface has mass 5 kg and the hanging object has mass 2 kg. I am to find the acceleration of both objects. However, no force quantity is given in the question. How do I find their accelerations? (pulley is massless)

Homework Equations



w = (mass)(gravity)

The Attempt at a Solution



w1 = (5)(9.8) = 49 N
w2 = (3)(9.8) = 29.4 N
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Start with a free-body diagram of both blocks. Identify all forces, write out Newton's second law, and solve.
 

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