Two Masses Hanging on a Massive Pulley

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a pulley system with two masses, where one mass is larger than the other. The problem includes analyzing tensions in the strings, the acceleration of the masses, and the effects of the pulley’s mass and torque on the system's dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationships between tensions T1 and T2, questioning whether T2 is greater than T1 due to the need for torque in the pulley. There are also considerations about the acceleration of the center of mass and the implications of the masses' movements on the tensions.

Discussion Status

Some participants are revisiting their initial answers and reasoning, particularly regarding tensions and the acceleration of the system. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the variables, with some guidance offered on the need for torque affecting the tensions.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the laws governing the system, particularly in relation to the rotational dynamics of the pulley and the implications of mass differences on tension and acceleration.

Becca93
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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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