What is the Acceleration and Tension in an Inclined Pulley System?

AI Thread Summary
To solve for the acceleration and tension in an inclined pulley system with masses m1 = 4kg and m2 = 5kg at a 30-degree angle on frictionless surfaces, start by drawing free-body diagrams for each mass. Use the formula ∑F = m*a to analyze the forces acting on both masses. Resolve the forces in two directions, typically choosing horizontal and vertical or parallel and normal to the slope. This will lead to two equations representing net force equals mass times acceleration for each mass. Drawing the diagrams and resolving the forces will help clarify the problem and facilitate finding the required values.
lames
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



please take a look at the picture

m1= 4kg
m2= 5kg
angle is 30 degrees
(surfaces are frictionless)

find the acceleration and the tension
what are the formulas used for solving this?
 

Attachments

  • Untitled2.png
    Untitled2.png
    1.1 KB · Views: 439
Physics news on Phys.org
Start by drawing a free-body diagram for each mass.
The formula is ##\sum \vec{F} = m\vec{a}##
 
Simon Bridge said:
Start by drawing a free-body diagram for each mass.
The formula is ##\sum \vec{F} = m\vec{a}##

a little more help?
 
Have you ever drawn a free-body diagram before?
 
Simon Bridge said:
Have you ever drawn a free-body diagram before?

yes but how will that help me?
 
lames said:
yes but how will that help me?
Once you have drawn each diagram (one per mass), you should resolve forces in some pair of directions (common ones are horizontal, vertical, parallel to slope, normal to slope - any two of those will do, but it's usual to pick an orthogonal pair). That should allow you to write down two equations of the form net force = mass * net acceleration for each.
Draw the diagrams, post either the diagrams or descriptions of ithem, say which ways you are resolving, and post the equations you get.
 
What haruspex said - draw a fbd and see.
 

Similar threads

Back
Top