What is the Mass of M1 in a Pulley System with Given Parameters?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a pulley system with two masses, M1 and M2. The objective is to determine the mass M1 given specific parameters such as the mass of M2, the acceleration, the angle of the incline, and the coefficient of kinetic friction.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various approaches to calculating M1, including using forces acting on the masses and applying Newton's second law. Some participants express confusion about the equations and how to isolate M1.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided different values for M1, indicating a lack of consensus. Some have offered insights into the forces involved and how to set up equations, while others seek clarification on the steps to take. There is ongoing exploration of the problem with attempts to clarify the relationships between the forces and the masses.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention variations in the parameters, such as different values for M2 and the angle of the incline, which may affect the calculations. There is also mention of homework constraints and the need for understanding the underlying concepts rather than just obtaining a numerical answer.

  • #31
...If I divide out the m1 in order to get it to one side, won't that cancel out all the m1's?
 
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  • #32
You can't divide out because there is no m1 term in front of the T. That is why you have to get all the m1 terms on the same side and pull the common term (i.e. m1).
 
  • #33
Audacity said:
...If I divide out the m1 in order to get it to one side, won't that cancel out all the m1's?

No, the value of 'T' has no m1 in it. Just gather the like terms on side and then divide.
 
  • #34
When I go through and divide everything out, I get 6.99kg... That doesn't seem possible?

And isn't the correct answer...
 
  • #35
I went through and re-worked it. Got 4.472kg which is the correct answer. Thank you sooooo much Rockfreak. You have been an invaluable resource on this matter.
 

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