Pulleys with Torque: Free Body Diagram Analysis

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The discussion centers on analyzing a pulley system using free body diagrams and torque equations. Participants express confusion about the tension in the system, emphasizing that tensions should be equal according to Newton's third law. There is a debate over whether the mass of the pulleys can be ignored, with consensus leaning towards including it due to its explicit mention in the problem statement. Participants work through equations of motion and torque, addressing the relationship between linear and angular accelerations, and the importance of consistent sign conventions for forces and torques. The conversation highlights the complexity of the problem and the need for clarity in diagrams and equations to avoid confusion.
  • #31
rashida564 said:
a1=2a2
T1-m1g=m1a1=2m1a2
T2+T3-(M+m2)g=m2a2
Those equations are not consistent in regard to which ways are positive for the accelerations.
 
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  • #32
I think I can see it now, is it because a1=-2a2
 
  • #33
rashida564 said:
I think I can see it now, is it because a1=-2a2
Yes.
 
  • #34
I think now I got it. By putting one of the linear equation as negative. namely : m1g-T1=2m1a2.
For here I added two equation T1-T2+(m1g-T1)=Ma2+m1a1
or m1g-T2=Ma2+2m1a2
For this I can find T2=m1g-Ma2-2m1a2
then I can also find T3, 2T2-2T3=Ma2
Or T3= (2T2-Ma2)/2
which is cool thing since T2 is expressed purely in terms of m, M,a and g.
Using the last equation T2+T3-(M+m2)g=m2a2
And substitute value of T2 and T3. Hopping I didn't make any mistake I will get that
a2=1/m2(((3m1-5m1a2)/2) + (M+m2)g )
And I can also find a1. which is just twice a2
 
  • #35
rashida564 said:
a2=1/m2(((3m1-5m1a2)/2) + (M+m2)g )
This is indecipherable. There appears to be a term (3m1-5m1a2), which makes no sense. You can't subtract a force from an acceleration.
Please use parentheses as appropriate and either use LaTeX or use subscripts (use the ...▼ pulldown) and multiply out as necessary to avoid the divisions.
Also, for it to be an expression for a2 you should arrange that a2 does not occur on both sides of the equation.
 

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