How Do You Calculate the Acceleration of Two Connected Blocks?

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To calculate the acceleration of two connected blocks, a free body diagram (FBD) is essential for visualizing forces acting on each block. The net force can be determined using the equation net force = mass * acceleration for both blocks. Participants discussed how to eliminate tension (T) from the equations to solve for acceleration (a). The provided answer for acceleration is 7.56, indicating that the calculations align with this result. Clear communication and diagram sharing are crucial for effective problem-solving in physics.
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I'm having trouble solving this problem, someone want to help me out?

Two blocks are connected by a cord as shown:
Find the acceleration of the blocks.

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2554/physicshc9.jpg

I have the answer, but I don't know how to get to it.

the answer is 7.56
 
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can you show the free body diagram that you made?
 
can you see the picture that i linked?
 
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/5738/physicsww5.jpg

here is what i added
 
Last edited by a moderator:
your free body diagram seems alright..
now apply the equation net force = mass * acc on both the bodies
 
ok here is the fbd. try solving the equations now. solve for "a" eliminating T.
one more thing, sorry for the pathetic condition of my drawing skills.
cheers
 

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Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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