Mechanics- connected particles

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mechanics problem involving connected particles in a lift system. Participants analyze the forces acting on three boxes of different masses placed in a lift that is accelerating upwards. The focus is on calculating the mass of the lift, the reactions between the boxes, and the forces involved in the system.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Participants present equations for the forces acting on the system, including tension, gravitational force, and reactions between the boxes.
  • Some participants express difficulty in arriving at the correct answers, indicating potential confusion or errors in their calculations.
  • One participant suggests that the mass of the lift plus the load is 405 kg, while another participant calculates the mass of the lift alone to be 370 kg.
  • There is mention of a textbook answer being 405 kg, which raises questions about the interpretation of the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct mass of the lift or the interpretation of the problem. Multiple competing views and calculations are presented, leading to unresolved discrepancies.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of mass and load in the context of the problem, as well as potential rounding issues in calculations.

Shah 72
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A box of mass 20 kg sits on the floor of a lift. A second box of mass 10kg sits on top of the first box and a third box of mass 5kg sits on top of the second box. When the tension in the lift cable is 4260N, the lift is accelerating upwards at 0.5m/s^2.
a) work out the mass of the lift.
b) work out the reaction between the floor of the lift and the first box
c) work out the reaction between the first box and the second box
d) work out the reaction between the second box and the third box.
 
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Shah 72 said:
A box of mass 20 kg sits on the floor of a lift. A second box of mass 10kg sits on top of the first box and a third box of mass 5kg sits on top of the second box. When the tension in the lift cable is 4260N, the lift is accelerating upwards at 0.5m/s^2.
a) work out the mass of the lift.
b) work out the reaction between the floor of the lift and the first box
c) work out the reaction between the first box and the second box
d) work out the reaction between the second box and the third box.
I have tried to solve this but not getting the right answers
 
a) $T - (M_L + 35)g = (M_L + 35)a$

b) $R_1 - 35g = 35a$

c) $R_2 - 15g = 15a$

d) $R_3 - 5g = 5a$
 
skeeter said:
a) $T - (M_L + 35)g = (M_L + 35)a$

b) $R_1 - 35g = 35a$

c) $R_2 - 15g = 15a$

d) $R_3 - 5g = 5a$
Thank you so so much! I will try
 
skeeter said:
a) $T - (M_L + 35)g = (M_L + 35)a$

b) $R_1 - 35g = 35a$

c) $R_2 - 15g = 15a$

d) $R_3 - 5g = 5a$
I tried the same earlier but getting the wrong. The textbook ans is 405 kg.
4260- 10m- 350= 0.5m+17.5
 
$\dfrac{4260}{10.5} \approx 405$

mass of the lift + 35kg = 405kg (actually, 406 using correct rounding)

the question should be “what is the mass of the lift plus its load”

mass of the lift alone is 370kg
 
skeeter said:
$\dfrac{4260}{10.5} \approx 405$

mass of the lift + 35kg = 405kg (actually, 406 using correct rounding)

the question should be “what is the mass of the lift plus its load”

mass of the lift alone is 370kg
Thank you very much!
 

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