Strings and Pulleys - Find the energy

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves three masses connected by strings over frictionless pulleys, with a focus on energy concepts to determine the speed of one mass after it moves a certain distance. The context is rooted in mechanics, specifically dealing with energy conservation in a system of connected objects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial setup of the problem, questioning how to establish the potential energy reference level and the relationship between the speeds of the masses. There is mention of considering conservation of energy principles.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the mechanical energy of the system and the relationship between the speeds of the masses, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the setup of the problem and the implications of the frictionless environment, as well as the assumptions regarding the tautness of the strings and the initial conditions of the system.

parwana
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p5-32.gif


Three objects with masses m1 = 7.0 kg, m2 = 10.0 kg, and m3 = 14.0 kg, respectively, are attached by strings over frictionless pulleys, as indicated in Figure P5.32. The horizontal surface is frictionless and the system is released from rest. Using energy concepts, find the speed of m3 after it moves down a distance of 2.0 m.
 
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Interesting problem!
Does it interest you sufficiently to do some work on your own?
 
I don't understand how to set it up.
 
Let for example the floor be the level of zero potential energy.
What is then the mechanical energy of the system initially, and how does that quantity develop over the time?

Since the strings are taut and inextensible, how must the speeds be related to each other?
 
hmm...consider COE
 

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