Motion in 2 Dimensions - Pulleys

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two masses connected by a string over a frictionless pulley, with specific questions regarding acceleration, tension, net force, and kinetic energy. The subject area is dynamics within the context of motion in two dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the sufficiency of data for calculating acceleration and tension, with some suggesting the use of free body diagrams to analyze forces acting on each mass. Questions arise about the nature of acceleration and whether it is zero or influenced by gravitational forces.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various interpretations of the problem being explored. Some participants provide guidance on using free body diagrams, while others question the assumptions regarding acceleration and the forces involved. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of details regarding movement in the problem statement, which leads to differing opinions on whether acceleration is present and how it should be calculated.

TheKovac
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Homework Statement


Two masses A and B and of mass 1.6kg and 2.4kg respectively are connected be a light string which passes over a a frictionless trolley.
Calculate:
a) The accelaration of the 1.6kg mass.
b) The tension in the string
c) The net force on the 2.4kg mass
d) The Kinetic Energy of the 1.6kg Mass 0.5s the two masses are released.

Homework Equations


P=MV - M yes, V no, P no
u= v+at
v^2 = U^2 + 2as

The Attempt at a Solution


On first glance, it seems there is not enough data to be able to work out Acceleration. Am I right?

I request that some helpful user will be able to show a way to work the problem out, with the given data, and how Tension can be calculated. I am not asking that someone will do my homework, just that someone will help me work acceleration because I don't think there's enough data

Thank you in Advance.

Kindest Regards,
The Kovac
 
Last edited:
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Yes there is sufficient info I believe.

Start with drawing a free body diagram.

What are the forces acting on the 1.6kg mass? Similarly, what are the forces on the 2.4kg mass?

Assume the motion is downward with respect to the 2.4kg mass (meaning the 2.4kg mass moves down). ( Both would accelerate at the same rate so...)

What is the equation relating the resultant force for the 2.4kg mass?
What is the equation relating the resultant force for the 1.6kg mass?

If you did it correctly, you should see a way to get the acceleration and tension.
 
draw free body dig.and use
net f(on a body)=ma(of that body).
 
IS not the acceleration Zero? The question does not mention any details regarding any movement, so there has to be no acceleration, no?

If there is acceleration, would not that be 9.8m/s due to gravity? The answer is 1.6m/s but little data a figure such as that I am struggling to find.

Thank you for the assistance.
 
The acceleration would not be that of gravity, as there are other forces you must take into consideration. Also, there is an acceleration.
 
Also, I would hope the answer for acceleration is not 1.6 m/s; that is velocity.
 

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