Physics Dynamics Question homework help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a dynamics problem involving a fletcher's trolley system with two masses, m1 and m2, and a frictional force. The original poster seeks to find the acceleration of the system, given specific values for mass and friction, as well as an angle affecting the setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the acceleration using components of forces and net force equations. Some participants suggest using tension in the system and setting up equations for each mass. Others propose treating the system as a single entity to simplify the calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants have engaged in a back-and-forth exploration of different approaches to the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of tension and the need to consider gravitational components. The conversation reflects a collaborative effort to clarify the setup and calculations without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the correct application of formulas and the treatment of forces, particularly concerning the angle and friction. The original poster has expressed difficulty in arriving at the correct answer, and there is a lack of consensus on the method to be used.

huzjm
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Homework Statement


Find the acceleration in the system of a fletcher’s trolley given m1 = 1.0 kg and m2 = 9.0 kg and a 50 N force of friction exists.
θ = 33°

See the image below, to explain the diagram. This one has an angle of 33 degrees that is why it is hard.

http://i39.tinypic.com/3497zo9.png


Homework Equations


I am not sure.

The Attempt at a Solution


Okay so first I found out the horizontal component of m1 by the formula cos(33)*mass(which is 1.0kg) and got the value 0.838 , then I put the formula Fnet=[(M2*A)-Ff]/(m1+m2)
which means 9.0kg*9.81m/s2 - 50 N divided by (0.838+9) .. the answer was 3.9 M/s2 but this is the wrong answer, i asked my teacher, he said you are somewhere close but this is not right. I cannot figure this out, I have been trying different things since hours.
 
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welcome to pf!

hi huzjm! welcome to pf! :smile:

(try using the X2 button just above the Reply box :wink:)
huzjm said:
Fnet=[(M2*A)-Ff]/(m1+m2)

sorry, but even if you mean a = Fnet/(m1+m2) = [(M2*A)-Ff]/(m1+m2), that's still completely wrong :redface:

try calling the tension "T", and doing two F = ma equations (one for each block)

alternatively, if you're treating the two blocks as a single system, your m in ma has to be the total (unadjusted) mass, and you have to use the component of m1g parallel to the string

try it both ways … what do you get? :smile:
 
Thank you very much :) In fact, thank you really very much :)
This is what I did
Fnet = ma = 9kg * a = mg - T = 9kg * 9.8m/s² - T = 88.2N - T
→ T = 88.2 - 9a

For the lighter mass,
Fnet = ma = 1kg * a = T - mgsinΘ - Ff = T - 1kg * 9.8m/s² * sin33º - 50N
1kg * a = T - 5.34N - 50N = T - 55.34N
→ T = a + 55.34

Since T = T,
88.2 - 9a = a + 55.34
32.86 = 10a
a ≈ 3.3 m/s²

Is the answer right now?
 
excellent! :smile:

(btw, you'll notice you could get the same result by treating it as a one-dimensional motion, with a single body with a mass of 10 kg, friction of 50 N and gravitational forces of 9g N and -gsin33° N :wink:)
 
Oh so the formula should have been acceleration= [(9.0kg*9.81m/s) - 50N - (9.81m/s * sin 33°)] / 10 KG

Thank you really very much :)
 
I mean m/s(square)
 

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