What is the acceleration of this pulley and mass system?

[BMWPower06]

Homework Statement

In Figure below, m1 = 11.9 kg and m2 = 4.23 kg.
http://aycu19.webshots.com/image/18298/2003920338738691485_rs.jpg
The coefficient of static friction between m1 and the horizontal surface is 0.526 while the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.288. If the system is released from rest, what will its acceleration be?

If the system is set in motion with m2 moving downward, what will be the acceleration of the system?

Homework Equations

F=MA i assume

The Attempt at a Solution

Don't even know where to start with this problem.

 

[stunner5000pt]

ok first of all find the net force (vertical) on m2

what forces are acting on it?

then find the net horizontal force on m1. Firstly assume that they let it go from rest... determine whether or not the system will accelerate. Remember the force on m1 must be bigger than the static fricion force in order for it to move. (accelerate)

If it does then you have calculate the acceleration using the kinetic friction force.

 

[PhanthomJay]

Noting that the tension in the cable is the same on both sides of the assumed massless frictionles pulley, you should draw a free body diagram (FBD) of each block, identify the forces acting on that block for each case, and use Newton 2 for each block to solve for the unknowns. Are you familiar with FBD's?

 

[BMWPower06]

yea, i drew the FBD and got the Fn of M1= 116.62 and Fn of M2= 41.454. Now where do i go from here?

 

[BMWPower06]

Ok so i used this:

and i got -.49m/s^2 but it says the answer is not correct. Anyone know why?

 

[BMWPower06]

for mew i used the coefficient of Kinetic friction

 

[BMWPower06]

any1 know what's wrong?

 

[PhanthomJay]

Ok so i used this:

and i got -.49m/s^2 but it says the answer is not correct. Anyone know why?

It looks like you did part 2 first (the moving case) but you slipped on the minus sign. Use downward as the positive direction, try +.49m/s^2 as your answer. But in part 1, take again a look at 'stunner's' hint.

 

[stunner5000pt]

Ok so i used this:

and i got -.49m/s^2 but it says the answer is not correct. Anyone know why?

how did you get this answer??

 

[BMWPower06]

ok first of all find the net force (vertical) on m2

what forces are acting on it?

then find the net horizontal force on m1. Firstly assume that they let it go from rest... determine whether or not the system will accelerate. Remember the force on m1 must be bigger than the static fricion force in order for it to move. (accelerate)

If it does then you have calculate the acceleration using the kinetic friction force.

so i have:
For M2:
Force of m1 on m2 going up and Fmg going down

For M1:
Force of m2 on m1 going right and Ff going left.

Do i use Ff=(.526)*(11.9)*(9.8)
then where do i go from here?

 

[stunner5000pt]

so i have:
For M2:
Force of m1 on m2 going up and Fmg going down

For M1:
Force of m2 on m1 going right and Ff going left.

Do i use Ff=(.526)*(11.9)*(9.8)
then where do i go from here?

that 'force of m1 on m2' is called the tension because there is a string connecting the tow

can you write out what you said in the form of equations ? Maybe then you will be able to see what to solve for. Equations should be of the form
Fnet = sum of all of the forces in that direction