Pulley Acceleration and Tension Relations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration and tension in a pulley system involving three masses: m1 = 25kg, m2 = 1kg, and m3 = 3kg. The equations derived include T1 - G1 = m1 * a for the first mass and T2 - G2 - G3 = -(m2 + m3) * a for the subsequent masses. It is established that the accelerations of the masses are the same due to the ideal nature of the pulley, which does not affect tension magnitude. The key takeaway is that understanding the relationship between T1 and T2 is essential for solving the system of equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with tension in pulley systems
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
  • Knowledge of gravitational force calculations (G = mg)
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  • Study the principles of ideal pulley systems in classical mechanics
  • Learn how to derive equations of motion for multiple masses connected by ropes
  • Explore the concept of tension in non-ideal pulley systems
  • Practice solving systems of equations involving multiple variables
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Students in physics, particularly those studying mechanics, as well as educators looking for examples of pulley systems and tension calculations.

inv4lid
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Homework Statement


Determine bodies' acceleration if their masses are the following: m1 = 25kg, m2 = 1kg, m3 = 3kg and the Tension of the ropes. Friction is neglected, as well as the mass of the pulley. It is considered that the ropes are perfect.

ta29Rnv7RYGxQ93HZbQQpg.png


m1 = 25kg;
m2=1kg;
m3=3kg;
___________
a=?
T1=?
T2=?
#

Homework Equations


For the first object we have:
T1-G1= m1*a; (the acceleration is oriented upwards)
a = (T1-G1)/m1;
For next ones, I guess:
The acceleration here goes downwards
T2-G2-G3 = -(m2+m3)*a;
a = (T2-G2 - G3) / -(m2 + m3)

Are the accelerations the same?
How would i find it?
 

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inv4lid said:
Are the accelerations the same?
What would happen if the accelerations were not the same?
You may safely assume that this is an ideal pulley, i.e. it changes the direction of the tension but not its magnitude. This will simplify your work.
 
kuruman said:
What would happen if the accelerations were not the same?
You may safely assume that this is an ideal pulley, i.e. it changes the direction of the tension but not its magnitude. This will simplify your work.
I need to get some numbers. How would i get the tension/acceleration? There is too much unknown data.
(i guess we can't get any of T)
 
inv4lid said:
I need to get some numbers. How would i get the tension/acceleration? There is too much unknown data.
(i guess we can't get any of T)
I think kuruman is trying to get you to relate ##T_{1}## to ##T_{2}##. If the pulley is ideal (frictionless and massless) what is the relation? Once you have the relation, you can solve the algebraic system.
 

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