Mechanical Problem: Calculating Car Velocity at Time 0 & 5 m/s

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The discussion revolves around calculating the velocity of a car influenced by pulleys, starting with an initial velocity of 5 m/s to the left. In the first scenario with one pulley, the acceleration was determined to be 1.633 m/s², leading to calculations for the time when the car's velocity reaches 0 and -5 m/s. The second scenario with two pulleys introduces complexity, as the acceleration of the car is twice that of the box due to the geometry of the system. Participants clarify the relationship between the forces acting on the blocks and the car, ultimately deriving the correct acceleration for the blocks and confirming the calculations. The thread concludes with a corrected understanding of the forces involved, emphasizing the importance of free body diagrams in solving such problems.
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Homework Statement


http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/7bf5e.jpg

Ok the initial velocity of the car is 5 m/s to the left. Calculate for each situation, the instant time when the velocity of car is :

a)null and 5m/s to the right.



For situation one with just one pulley:


In the block 2 we have F = P-T (=) P = T+m(A)*a (1)
In car, because it is going to the right F = T (=) T = m(B)*a (2)

because he tension that block do in car is equal to the tension that car do in block so

F = P-T (=) F = P - (m(B)*a) (=) P = m(A)*a + m(B)*a (=) P = a(mA+mB)
a = (10*9.8)/(50+10) (=) a = 1.633 m/s^2


So with the law of velocity v = vi + at

v = 0 (null)
vi = 5m/s

a = - 1.633m/s^2 (negative because it is opposite to the car)

t(when v=0) = -5/-1.633 = 3.06s
t(when v = -5) = -10/-1.633 = 6.12s


For the situation with two pulleys


I do not know how to do it, because in the system of the two pulleys we have two tension and i know that they are T/2 each one

but my teacher said that the acceleration of the car is 2* acceleration of the box.

My problem is Why? and even knowing that a(A) = 2*a(B), how can i find the acceleration to the block 3 ?

I appreciate the help.
 
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Sorry for double post. But please help.
I really need to do this problem :/
 
Hi Fabio010! :smile:
Fabio010 said:
…but my teacher said that the acceleration of the car is 2* acceleration of the box.

This isn't physics, it's just geometry …

the string has fixed length,

so if you make the distance between the pulleys increase by y, you use 2y of string, don't you?

so when the block moves down y, the car moves along x = 2y

differentiate once, or twice, and you get dx/dt = 2dy/dt, d2x/dt2 = 2d2y/dt2 :wink:
… even knowing that a(A) = 2*a(B), how can i find the acceleration to the block 3 ?

when you do F1 = m1a1 and F2 = m2a2,

you relate them by a1 = 2a2 :smile:
 
hum..

so i guess that for block 3 we have m3a3 = mg-T;
and for car we have T = m2*a2

(a2) = 2(a3)

But solving the equations to find the acceleration, it gives a wrong a solution.
 
Fabio010 said:
for block 3 we have m3a3 = mg-T;
and for car we have T = m2*a2

(a2) = 2(a3)

(try using the X2 and X2 buttons just above the Reply box :wink:)

that should work :confused:

show us your full calculations :smile:
 
"Damn sorry i just checked you tip after post"

ok

m(3)a(3) = mg -Tas we know T = m(1)*a(1)
so:
m(3)a(3) = m(3)g - m(1)*a(1)

because a(1) = 2a(3)

m(3)a(3) = m(3)g - m(2)*2a(3)
a(3) (m(3)+2m(1) ) = m(3)g
a(3) = m(3)g/((m(3)+2m(1) ))

a(3) = 20*9.8/((20+100))
a(3) = 1.633 m/s^2

so a(1) = 3.2667 m/s^2

law of velocity of car is v = 5 -(3.2667)t
when v = 0 t = 1.55 s
solution t = 2.8 s
 
Last edited:
oops!

Fabio010 said:
so i guess that for block 3 we have m3a3 = mg-T
tiny-tim said:
that should work :confused:

oops! i forgot to check the diagram! :redface:

it isn't mg - T, is it? (draw a free body diagram) :wink:
 
It is mg -2T because of the two pulleys :O

Now it is correct :)

Thanks for the help :)
 
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