The discussion revolves around a problem involving two masses connected by a string over a pulley, with one mass on a surface experiencing friction and the other hanging off the edge. Participants are exploring the dynamics of the system, particularly the acceleration and velocity relationships between the two masses.
The conversation has clarified the setup of the problem, with some participants confirming that both masses will move with the same speed despite moving in different directions. However, there is no explicit consensus on the calculations for acceleration or velocity yet.
There is some confusion regarding the terminology used, particularly concerning the coefficient of kinetic friction and its role in the problem. The original poster's reference to an Atwood machine has been questioned, leading to a clearer understanding of the system's configuration.
(mu)k is a force? Isn't μk, the coefficient of kinetic friction?Vitani11 said:2 masses m1 and m2 are attached by a string to a massless pulley. mass 1 is on the surface while mass 2 is hanging off. mass 1 experiences a friction force (mu)k.
Do you mean what is the velocity of mass 1 in terms of the velocity of mass 2?What is the acceleration of the system? What is the velocity of mass 1 in terms of mass 2?
Well, if the string remains taught then they'll certainly have the same speed. Technically their velocities would be different since they are moving in different directions (velocity is a vector while speed is a scalar).Vitani11 said:Don't these masses move at the same velocity?
Okay, that's clear now. So you now know that both masses will move with the same speed. Was that your question?Vitani11 said:I mean a system where one mass is on a horizontal surface with friction and the other is hanging off the edge connected by a string over a pulley. For some reason I was thinking atwoods machine. But yes that is what I mean