Solve Two Connected Masses for Acceleration

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AI Thread Summary
Two masses, 1 kg and 3 kg, are connected by a string over a massless pulley, and the problem involves calculating the acceleration of the 1 kg mass. The initial attempts at solving the problem include analyzing the forces acting on each mass, but the approach taken was incorrect. It is clarified that both masses experience the same acceleration, and the forces acting on them should include both their weights and the tension in the string. The discussion emphasizes the need to correctly identify the forces and their relationships to find the acceleration. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving the problem accurately.
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Homework Statement



Two masses are tied together by a string over a massless pulley so that they can both move vertically. Their masses are 1 kg and 3 kg. What is the acceleration of the 1 kg mass?

Homework Equations



F=ma
W=mg

The Attempt at a Solution



I have the 3 kg mass's summation of forces as ma-T. (In my free body diagram, the 3kg mass is the one closest to the pulley.)

The 1 kg mass's summation of forces are mg-T.

I'm unsure if my diagram is correct and I don't know where to go from here.
 
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Hi Juggernaut06 ! Welcome to PF! :smile:
Juggernaut06 said:
Two masses are tied together by a string over a massless pulley so that they can both move vertically. Their masses are 1 kg and 3 kg. What is the acceleration of the 1 kg mass?
…
I have the 3 kg mass's summation of forces as ma-T. (In my free body diagram, the 3kg mass is the one closest to the pulley.)

The 1 kg mass's summation of forces are mg-T.

No, both wrong :redface: …

both masses have both a and mg.

And of course a is equal (and opposite) for both. :wink:
 
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