- #1
SakuRERE
- 68
- 5
Homework Statement
two blocks of mass m sit on a frictionless surface and are connected by a massless, unstrechable string that rolls on a massless, frictionless pulley as shown. the second mass sits on an inclined tipped at an angle θ relative to horizontal. at time t=0, both masses are released from rest.
a) find the acceleration of both masses (magnitude, but indicate directions for each mass on the figure).
b) find the tension T in the string.
Homework Equations
Σf=ma
The Attempt at a Solution
I can solve this one, but the only problem i am facing is that i see the whole system stationary. i can't indicate the direction of the acceleration and find the a of both masses. i just need to know will they move, and if yes how could that happen. i know that the incline will reduce the weight of the mass so the only force on the mass on the incline is mgsinθ, and this is even less from the first mass's weight.
or is it like since the floor is frictionless then the first mass will be moved and (so the system) by any Tension force even though it's very small. but what about the inertia then?