Two Masses Hanging on a Massive Pulley

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on analyzing the dynamics of a pulley system with two masses, m1 and M2, where M2 is greater than m1. Key conclusions include that the tension T1 is greater than m1g, T2 is less than T1, and the acceleration of m1 is equal to that of M2. The center of mass of the system accelerates, and T1 + T2 is less than T3, which accounts for the weight of all three masses, including the pulley. The participants express uncertainty about the relationships between tensions and the effects of torque on the pulley.

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  • Familiarity with concepts of acceleration and center of mass
  • Basic principles of rotational dynamics and torque
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Homework Statement
A pulley with mass Mp and a radius Rp is attached to the ceiling, in a gravity field of 9.81 m/s2 and rotates with no friction about its pivot. Mass M2 is larger than mass m1. The quantities Tn and g are magnitudes.

(image attached)
Select T-True, F-False, G-Greater than, L-Less than, E-Equal to.
A) T1 is ... m1g.
B) T2 is ... T1.
C) The magnitude of the acceleration of m1 is ... that of M2.
D) The center of mass of Mp+M1+M2 accelerates.
E) T1 + T2 is ... T3.
F) m1g + M2g + Mpg is ... T3. The attempt at a solution

A) G - Because the m2 is greater than m1, the system is accelerating left, so tension in string one would be the weight plus ma.
B) L - System is accelerating left over a pulley, so would tension less?
**I'm not sure about this one. Would they be equal?
C) E - The whole system is accelerating, so they should be equal.
D) T - I said true for this one because the distances of m2 and m1 from Mp are constantly changing.
E) L - T1+T2 is responsible for only m1 and m2. T3 is responsible for m1, m2, and Mp, so therefore T1+T2 should be less than T3
F) E - T3 is responsible for the weight of all three masses.
**I'm not sure about this one either. Would moment of inertia or any other rotational force factor in here to make T3 greater?

I've tried GLETLE AND GEETLE and both combinations are incorrect. There is a flaw in my reasoning and I am unable to see where it is.

Any advice?Edit: My tries are as follows:
1 Incorrect. (Try 1) GLETLE
2 Incorrect. (Try 2) GEETLE
3 Incorrect. (Try 3) GEETLL
4 Incorrect. (Try 4) GLETLL
 

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I would think again re

B,D, E ... and I am still thinking re F!
 
grzz said:
I would think again re

B,D, E ... and I am still thinking re F!

But why? Am I missing a law or something?
 
re B

The pulley needs a torque so that it can rotate. Hence T2 is ... than T1.
 
I think your F is ok.
 
grzz said:
re B

The pulley needs a torque so that it can rotate. Hence T2 is ... than T1.

So T2 is greater than T1?

Okay. So, would
a-G
b-G
c-E
d-T
e-L
f-L

sound right?
 
So T2 is greater than T1?...I think yes.

re D

If m2 goes down through distance x , what is the distance gone up by m1?
 
grzz said:
So T2 is greater than T1?...I think yes.

re D

If m2 goes down through distance x , what is the distance gone up by m1?

The following are my incorrect answers:
1 Incorrect. (Try 1) GLETLE
2 Incorrect. (Try 2) GEETLE
3 Incorrect. (Try 3) GEETLL
4 Incorrect. (Try 4) GLETLL
5 Incorrect. (Try 5) GGLFLL
6 Incorrect. (Try 6) GGEFLL
 
If m2 goes down through distance x , what is the distance gone up by m1?
 
  • #10
re E

Is the pulley accelerating downwards or upwards?
 

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