Unbalanced Force Components and Acceleration

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the force applied to a cart system involving multiple masses and a pulley setup. The total mass of the system is 2.559 kg, which includes a cart mass of 1.156 kg, a mass on the string of 0.4 kg, and a mass on the cart of 1.003 kg. Key considerations include the normal force preventing the cart from sinking into the track and the angle of the string affecting the tension and acceleration. The conversation emphasizes the need for both theoretical calculations and experimental measurements, such as using ticker tape to determine acceleration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of forces and tension in strings
  • Familiarity with mass and weight calculations
  • Experience with experimental methods in physics, such as ticker tape timing
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the tension in the string using trigonometric principles
  • Learn about the relationship between mass, force, and acceleration using Newton's second law
  • Explore the effects of angles on force components in physics
  • Investigate methods for measuring acceleration in experimental setups
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding force dynamics in pulley systems.

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Homework Statement



Givens:
Mass of Cart = 1156g = 1.156kg
Mass on string = 400g = 0.4kg
Mass on Cart = 1003g = 1.003kg

The weight attached to the pulley generates the applied force.

AOwsIzX.jpg


Homework Equations



Calculate the force applied.

The Attempt at a Solution



Look on the sheet.
 
Last edited:
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the Normal Force by the track is to keep the cart & load from sinking into the track.
it looks like the string is pulling somewhat upward but not entirely upward;
only the upward component will help the track not get sunk into.
Do you know that string's angle?

From a theory perspective: how much total mass is going to accelerate? (no, not 2.159kg)
which component of the string's Tension will be causing that acceleration?

Experimental perspective: did you measure its acceleration with the ticker tape?
then the horizontal component of string Force applied to (car & load) is pretty easy to deduce.

The theory, on the other hand, is a bear because the angle makes the hanger's acceleration different than the car & load acceleration.
 

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