Frictionless pulleys with unknown masses. ATTEMPTED SOLUTION INSIDE

In summary, the problem involves a 9kg block connected to a hanging block of unknown mass by a string over a pulley. The acceleration of the hanging block is 1m/s^2 downward and there is an applied force Fa acting to the left on the 9kg block. However, without a picture, the problem appears to be missing some information and has an infinite number of solutions. The third equation of the system is also extraneous and does not provide any useful information. Clarification of the question is needed.
  • #1
soccerdude28
12
0

Homework Statement


Two masses are connected by means of a string which passes over a light frictionless pulley. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the 9kg mass and the table is 0.25. The applied force on the 9kg mass is unknown and the acceleration of the unknown mass, m, is 1m.s^2 down. Calculate:
a. The magnitude of the tension in the string
b. The mass
c. The applied force, Fa, on the 9kg mass


Homework Equations


Ff=UkFn
Fnet=ma


The Attempt at a Solution


Alright so i started out with finding frictional force on the 9kg block. Fg=Fn
88.2=Fn
Ff=UkFn
88.2(0.25)
22.05N


Now i found the first equation of just the block with unknown mass
Fnet=ma
Fg-T=ma
9.8m-T=m
T=8.8m

Now second equation of just the 9kg mass
Fnet=ma
T-Fa-Ff=9(1)
T-22.05-Fa=9
T-Fa=31.05

Now the third equation of the full system
Fnet=ma
Fg+Ff+Fa=1(9+m)
9.8m-22.05-Fa=9+m
Fa=-31.05+8.8m

Now from the three equations, i subbed 1 into 2
So: 8.8m-Fa=31.05
Rearrange
8.8m-31.05=Fa

Now i used "Substitution" for the third equation as well as the new one we just found
8.8m-31.05=-31.05+8.8m
and it basically just cancels each other out, which is why i am confused. What did i do wrong?
Thank you:)​
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
i thought that with an attempted solution, people would be more willing to help, doesn't look like it
please guys, help me out
 
  • #3
Without a picture, it appears your problem is missing some information, if I am understanding it correctly. It looks like you have a 9kg block on the rough table, connected by a string which wraps around a pulley at the edge of the table and connects to a hanging block of unknown mass m, which accelerates at 1m/s^2 downward. There is also an applied force Fa on the 9kg block, acting to the left. Is that correct? If so, the problem has an infinite number of solutions; I can make m as large as I want, and adjust Fa acordingly to give the proper acceleration of 1m/s^2. That third equation of the system (which I don't encourage using) is extraneous, and doesn't buy you anything. Please clarify the question.
 

FAQ: Frictionless pulleys with unknown masses. ATTEMPTED SOLUTION INSIDE

What is a frictionless pulley?

A frictionless pulley is a pulley with no friction or resistance, allowing for smooth and effortless movement of the object attached to it.

How do frictionless pulleys work?

A frictionless pulley works by using an axle and a rope or belt to redirect the force exerted on one side of the pulley to the other side, resulting in a change in direction of the force.

What is the significance of unknown masses in frictionless pulleys?

The unknown masses in frictionless pulleys refer to the masses of objects attached to the pulleys that are not known. This can affect the overall force and motion of the system, making it a more complex problem to solve.

How can the masses in frictionless pulleys be determined?

The masses in frictionless pulleys can be determined by using equations and principles of physics, such as Newton's laws of motion and the conservation of energy. This can involve setting up and solving equations to find the unknown masses.

Are frictionless pulleys used in real-life applications?

Yes, frictionless pulleys are commonly used in various real-life applications such as elevators, cranes, and even exercise equipment. They are also used in physics experiments and demonstrations to study the principles of mechanics.

Back
Top