- #1
Priyadarshini
- 191
- 4
Homework Statement
Homework Equations
a= (m2g)/(m1+m2)
The Attempt at a Solution
Which is option 4.
But the answer doesn't match
Accelerating Masses: Solving for Acceleration using m1, m2, and g"
- Thread starter Priyadarshini
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Accelerating
In summary, the conversation discusses finding the correct formula for acceleration using the given equations and information. The correct formula is determined to be m2g/(m1+m2) through the use of equations for m1 and m2.
a= (m2g)/(m1+m2)
Which is option 4.
But the answer doesn't match
- #2
Doc Al
Mentor
- 45,586
- 2,306
Show how you got your answer.
- #3
Priyadarshini
- 191
- 4
The formula for acceleration here is:Doc Al said:
m2g/(m1+m2)
So shouldn't that be the answer?
- #4
Doc Al
Mentor
- 45,586
- 2,306
Why do you think that is the formula? How did you derive that?Priyadarshini said:
- #5
Priyadarshini
- 191
- 4
For m1:Doc Al said:
T=m1a
the normal reaction force in the upwards direction = m1g
For m2:
m2g-T=m2a
so,
m2g-m1a=m2a
m2g=m1a+m2a
so acceleration = m2g/(m1+m2)
- #6
Doc Al
Mentor
- 45,586
- 2,306
Note that the acceleration here is the horizontal acceleration.Priyadarshini said:
Here the acceleration is the vertical acceleration. (What must that equal?)Priyadarshini said:
FAQ: Accelerating Masses: Solving for Acceleration using m1, m2, and g"
What is the formula for calculating acceleration using m1, m2, and g?
The formula for calculating acceleration using m1, m2, and g is a = (m1 + m2)g. This formula takes into account the masses of both objects and the acceleration due to gravity.
How do I determine the direction of acceleration when using this formula?
The direction of acceleration can be determined by the direction of the net force acting on the system. If the net force is positive, the acceleration will be in the same direction. If the net force is negative, the acceleration will be in the opposite direction.
Can this formula be used for any type of accelerating masses?
Yes, this formula can be used for any type of accelerating masses as long as the masses and acceleration due to gravity are known. It is commonly used in situations involving objects falling under the influence of gravity.
How does the mass of the objects affect the acceleration?
The greater the mass of the objects, the greater the force of gravity and therefore the greater the acceleration. This means that objects with a larger mass will accelerate faster than objects with a smaller mass when acted upon by the same force.
Can this formula be used to calculate the acceleration of objects on Earth and in space?
Yes, this formula can be used to calculate the acceleration of objects both on Earth and in space. However, the value of g may differ depending on the location, as it is influenced by the strength of gravity. On Earth, g is approximately 9.8 m/s^2, while in space it may vary depending on the object's distance from a massive body.