Two identical forces on two different masses....

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the dynamics of two masses subjected to identical forces, focusing on the relationships between their accelerations and the implications of their mass ratio. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the correct formulation of equations and the interpretation of ratios in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationships between the masses and their accelerations, questioning the validity of the equations presented by the original poster. There is a focus on identifying the correct mass assignments and how to express one mass in terms of the other.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on correcting the equations and understanding the implications of the mass ratio. The original poster is attempting to clarify their understanding of the acceleration relationship, but there is no explicit consensus on the final interpretation of the results.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes a lack of specific values, which contributes to their confusion regarding the ratios and the expected outcomes. There is an ongoing discussion about the implications of assuming one mass is twice the other.

EthanVandals
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Here is all the work I have done so far (hopefully it is right). My brain somewhat shuts down when it comes to ratios.
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no, that equation is not right. Identify which mass is m1 and which is m2, then one mass is twice the other. Correct your equation accordingly, then solve for the ratio.
 
You wrote:
m1a1 = m2a2
2m1a1 = m2a2

Those two equations contradict each other. Why don't you write an equation for m1 in terms of m2. Then you can substitute for m1 or m2 into the first equation above.

P.S. Welcome to Physics Forums.

Edit: Sorry PhantomJay. I just now saw your post.
 
TomHart said:
You wrote:
m1a1 = m2a2
2m1a1 = m2a2

Those two equations contradict each other. Why don't you write an equation for m1 in terms of m2. Then you can substitute for m1 or m2 into the first equation above.

P.S. Welcome to Physics Forums.

Edit: Sorry PhantomJay. I just now saw your post.
So something more like this then? I got this far, then got confused again as to what kind of ratio I'm supposed to get since I'm not given any values. If I divided by M2, then it would give me (2)A1=A2...so is that saying that the mass that is double the size of the other one is going to accelerate at half the speed of the smaller mass? And would the ratio then be 2:1? Thanks for all your help! :)

EDIT: I'm not sure why my new work isn't showing up...The basics are that I set M1=(2)M2, therefore (2)M2A1=M2A2.

http://imgur.com/a/XdNIG
 
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EthanVandals said:
The basics are that I set M1=(2)M2, therefore (2)M2A1=M2A2.

Edit: Sorry, I read your edit and missed above it. You got the ratio right: 2:1
 

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