How Do You Calculate Vertical Acceleration in a Block and Pulley System?

In summary, the conversation is about a system involving two blocks and two pulleys, with one block attached to a string that wraps around both pulleys. The system is frictionless and anchored to a wall. The question asks for the tension in the string, which is found to be (m_2*a_2)/2. The next question asks for the vertical acceleration of the block, which can be expressed as a_1 = T/(m_1*g).
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disruptors
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appreciate if Sum1 can help

Two Blocks and Two Pulleys(Other answer didn't include T?)


A block of mass m_1 is attached to a massless, ideal string. This string wraps around a massless pulley and then wraps around a second pulley that is attached to a block of mass m_2 that is free to slide on a frictionless table. The string is firmly anchored to a wall and the whole system is frictionless.

Assuming that a_2 is the magnitude of the horizontal acceleration of the block of mass m_2, what is T , the tension in the string? Express the tension in terms of m_2 and a_2

I figured out the T to be (m_2*a_2)/2

but got stuck on the next question

Given T, the tension in the string, calculate a_1, the magnitude of the vertical acceleration of the block of mass . Express the acceleration magnitude a_1 in terms of m_1,g , and T.

I know there was a post like this, but the answer wasn't given in T...
Thanks a lot again...


(thanks cartoon for the last post)
 
Last edited:
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FAQ: How Do You Calculate Vertical Acceleration in a Block and Pulley System?

What is the concept of "Two Blocks and Two Pulleys"?

The concept of "Two Blocks and Two Pulleys" is a simple system used in physics to demonstrate the principles of pulleys and mechanical advantage. It consists of two blocks, each with its own pulley, connected by a rope or belt.

What is the purpose of using "Two Blocks and Two Pulleys" in experiments?

The purpose of using "Two Blocks and Two Pulleys" is to demonstrate the mechanical advantage gained by using pulleys in a system. It also allows for the measurement of forces and the calculation of work and power.

How does the mechanical advantage change when using different numbers of pulleys?

The mechanical advantage increases with the number of pulleys used in the system. For "Two Blocks and Two Pulleys", the mechanical advantage is 2, meaning the output force is twice the input force. Adding more pulleys will further increase the mechanical advantage.

Why is the angle between the ropes important in "Two Blocks and Two Pulleys"?

The angle between the ropes affects the mechanical advantage in the system. The closer the ropes are to being parallel, the greater the mechanical advantage will be. This is because a smaller angle means the force is spread out over a larger distance, resulting in less force needed to lift the load.

How can "Two Blocks and Two Pulleys" be used in real-life applications?

"Two Blocks and Two Pulleys" can be used in various real-life applications, such as elevators, cranes, and even simple machines like clotheslines. It allows for the lifting of heavy loads with less force, making it a useful tool in many industries.

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