What Factors Determine Acceleration and Net Force in a Hanging Mass System?

[1irishman]

Homework Statement

what determines the direction of acceleration assuming no friction of a hanging mass that is attached to two other masses? how do we calculate the net force of the system? Do we use the heaviest mass?

Homework Equations

fnet=ma

The Attempt at a Solution

i don't know...

 

[willem2]

The masses are attached HOW? what are their positions? Is acceleration caused by gravity or are there ohter forces? I really don't know what's going on here.