What is the Maximum Acceleration for Two Connected Masses on a Pulley System?

In summary, the conversation discusses the consideration of two masses m1 and m2 connected by a thin string, with given values of m1 = 5kg and m2 = 1kg. The goal is to find the maximum possible acceleration of the two masses, where it is determined that the maximum occurs when m1 is equal to zero, resulting in an acceleration of g. The equation used is (m2)/(m1 + m2) * g = a.
  • #1
Kaze105
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0

Homework Statement


Consider two masses m1 and m2 connected by a thin string.

Assume the following values m1 = 5kg, m2 = 1 kg. Ignore friction and mass of the string.

The two blocks are connected by a thin string, which m2, hangs down freely, while the other is on a flat surface. There is a pulley at the edge of the surface so that m2 hangs down.

What should the balue of mass m1 be to get the largest possible value of accelaratio nof the two masses. What would be that maximum acceleration.

Homework Equations



(m2)/(m1 + m2) * g = a


The Attempt at a Solution



I know that the lower m1 is, the higher the acceleration would be. But what would the maximum be?
 
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  • #2
The mass of m1 can be greater than or equal to zero. The maximum occurs when m1 is equal to zero. The equation you give reduces to a=g. Therefore the maximum acceleration is equal to g.
 
  • #3
Ah i see, thank you very much
 

1. What is mass acceleration?

Mass acceleration is a physical phenomenon where the velocity of an object changes over time due to the influence of an external force.

2. How is mass acceleration measured?

Mass acceleration is typically measured in units of meters per second squared (m/s^2) using instruments such as accelerometers.

3. What factors affect mass acceleration?

The factors that affect mass acceleration include the magnitude and direction of the external force acting on the object, as well as the mass and initial velocity of the object.

4. What is the difference between mass acceleration and acceleration due to gravity?

Mass acceleration is a general term that refers to any change in an object's velocity, while acceleration due to gravity specifically refers to the acceleration caused by the Earth's gravitational pull on an object.

5. How is mass acceleration related to Newton's Second Law of Motion?

Mass acceleration is directly proportional to the net force acting on an object, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object, as described by Newton's Second Law of Motion (F=ma).

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