Why won't my equation work for this pully system?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving two masses (m1 = 485.0 g and m2 = 494.7 g) connected by a string over a frictionless pulley, which is a uniform disk weighing 53.0 g with a radius of 4.08 cm. The key equations used include T2R - T1R = I x (angular acceleration) and the tension formula based on mass and gravity. The user struggles to find the correct accelerations and tensions, indicating a need for a clearer method of solution and possibly a review of the inertia calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with rotational dynamics and moment of inertia
  • Knowledge of tension in strings and forces acting on masses
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the calculation of moment of inertia for a uniform disk
  • Learn how to derive angular acceleration from linear acceleration
  • Study the relationship between linear and angular quantities in pulley systems
  • Practice solving similar problems involving multiple masses and pulleys
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for examples of pulley systems and tension calculations.

LarryJ
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Homework Statement


Two objects, of masses m1 = 485.0 g and m2 = 494.7 g, are connected by a string of negligible mass that passes over a pulley with frictionless bearings. The pulley is a uniform 53.0-g disk with a radius of 4.08 cm. The string does not slip on the pulley.
Find the accelerations of the objects.
Find the tensions of each area of the string between the masses and the pully.

Homework Equations


T2R-T1R = I x (angular acceleration)
Tension is found by mass x gravity

The Attempt at a Solution


If I can solve for the angular acceleration by knowing the inertia, then I should be able to find the acceleration of the masses by multiplying the angular acceleration by the radius. But I keep getting the wrong answer. What am I doing wrong?
 
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LarryJ said:

Homework Statement


Two objects, of masses m1 = 485.0 g and m2 = 494.7 g, are connected by a string of negligible mass that passes over a pulley with frictionless bearings. The pulley is a uniform 53.0-g disk with a radius of 4.08 cm. The string does not slip on the pulley.
Find the accelerations of the objects.
Find the tensions of each area of the string between the masses and the pully.

Homework Equations


T2R-T1R = I x (angular acceleration)
Tension is found by mass x gravity

The Attempt at a Solution


If I can solve for the angular acceleration by knowing the inertia, then I should be able to find the acceleration of the masses by multiplying the angular acceleration by the radius. But I keep getting the wrong answer. What am I doing wrong?
Hello LarryJ. Welcome to PF !

It will be much easy to help you, if you show considerably more detail regarding your method of solution.
 

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