Solving the Mystery of M1 and M2: What is the Equation for?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers around the equations M1 = T1^2 and M2 = T2^2, where M represents mass and T represents tension. Participants suggest that these equations express a proportional relationship between mass and the square of tension, specifically stating that mass is proportional to the square of tension. One participant proposes that T could represent the period of oscillation in a spring-mass system, linking it to the formula T = 2π√(M/k). The conversation highlights the need for context regarding the origin of the equations to fully understand their application.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly mass and tension.
  • Familiarity with the principles of oscillation in spring-mass systems.
  • Knowledge of proportional relationships in equations.
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations and understanding ratios.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between mass and tension in spring-mass systems.
  • Learn about the derivation of the period of oscillation formula T = 2π√(M/k).
  • Explore the concept of proportionality in physics equations.
  • Investigate applications of tension in various physical systems.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying mechanics and oscillatory motion, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to mass and tension in physical equations.

jomuk
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ok so I've got this equation

M1 = T1^2
M2 __T2^2
the _s are only for spacing purposes
can anyone tell me what it is for?

I think the M is mass and the T is tension but I really have no idea
 
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One can make up equations for anything- and different applications might give the same equation. I can't imagine starting from an equation and the asking what the application is!

I think the best one can say here is that "mass is proportional to the square of the tension" (or "tension is proportional to the square root of the mass).
 
jomuk said:
ok so I've got this equation

M1 = T1^2
M2 __T2^2
the _s are only for spacing purposes
can anyone tell me what it is for?

I think the M is mass and the T is tension but I really have no idea

Hallsofivy was being too polite. I would criticize you for not, at the very least, put the equation you found in some context, i.e. WHERE did you find this expression? Under what topic/chapter/subject/supermarket tabloid/etc. was it written? It can't just appear out of nowhere.

Having said that, I will put one possible, consistent guess: T is the period of oscillation of a spring-mass system, and M is the mass. This is because the period of that system is given by

T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{M}{k}}

Zz.
 
lol for some application in calualte the tension needed in each wire/rope for that particular mass?
 
jomuk said:
ok so I've got this equation

M1 = T1^2
M2 __T2^2
the _s are only for spacing purposes
can anyone tell me what it is for?

I think the M is mass and the T is tension but I really have no idea

are these two equations or one equation written on two spaces?
do you mean"
M_1 = {T_1}^2 {M_2}{T_2}^2
 
Nenad said:
are these two equations or one equation written on two spaces?
do you mean"
M_1 = {T_1}^2 {M_2}{T_2}^2
I presume he meant it as a statement of proportionality:
\frac{M_1}{M_2} = \frac{T_1^2}{T_2^2}

The only thing that rings a bell is what ZapperZ suggested.
 
Doc Al said:
I presume he meant it as a statement of proportionality:
\frac{M_1}{M_2} = \frac{T_1^2}{T_2^2}

The only thing that rings a bell is what ZapperZ suggested.

T could be kinetic energy, but there's really not enough data to know.
 
I was thinking it might be concentration and temperature...but i really don't think it is after trying to derive it using gas laws.
 
ZapperZ said:
Hallsofivy was being too polite.
Zz.

WHAT! Someone is accusing me of being polite!
 
  • #10
HallsofIvy said:
WHAT! Someone is accusing me of being polite!

Damn right I did! And don't let me catch you doing that again!

:)

Zz.
 
  • #11
Think I should give Halls a warning? :smile:
 
  • #12
looks like an expression of inversed perportions
 

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