Newton's Second Law (Pulley Sustem)

In summary, Newton's Second Law in the context of a pulley system demonstrates how the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. When analyzing a pulley system, the forces acting on the masses connected by the pulley, including tension and gravitational force, are considered to determine the system's acceleration. This law provides a framework for understanding how different weights affect motion and allows for calculations that predict the behavior of the system under various conditions.
  • #1
armn91
2
1
Homework Statement
I am trying to find the solution to the following problem. Could you please let me know if what I have done is correct? Thank you.
Relevant Equations
Newton's Second Law
Two masses, M1=4.0 Kg, and M2=20 Kg, are attached by a rope that crosses over a massless, frictionless pulley. M1 slides horizontally and experiences a kinetic frictional force due to its motion across the surface. The coefficient of kinetic friction is uk = 0.638. When solving the problem, start drawing a FBD for each mass and writing appropriate N1L and N2L equations for each mass. Solve the system of equations for find the acceleration of the masses and the tension of the rope (see figure in document attached).
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0288.jpg
    IMG_0288.jpg
    50.3 KB · Views: 76
  • IMG_0289.jpg
    IMG_0289.jpg
    22.4 KB · Views: 79
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It looks correct to me. For future reference: After you upload a figure click "Insert" + Full image. Full images are easier to read than thumbnails. Also, for "work shown" we prefer equations in LaTeX to photos of handwritten notes. Click "LaTeX Guide", lower left, to learn how to do it.
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman and MatinSAR
  • #3
Ok, thank you very much for your help!
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman
  • #4
Welcome to PF.

I will send you some tips for posting equations using LaTeX. :smile:
 

FAQ: Newton's Second Law (Pulley Sustem)

What is Newton's Second Law of Motion?

Newton's Second Law of Motion states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. The formula is often written as F = ma, where F is the net force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration.

How does Newton's Second Law apply to a pulley system?

In a pulley system, Newton's Second Law is used to analyze the forces acting on the masses and the pulley itself. By considering the tensions in the ropes and the weights of the masses, you can set up equations to solve for the acceleration of the masses and the tension in the ropes.

What is the role of tension in a pulley system?

Tension is the force transmitted through the rope or string in a pulley system. It plays a crucial role in determining the motion of the masses. The tension in the rope is usually assumed to be the same throughout if the pulley is ideal and frictionless.

How do you calculate the acceleration of masses in a pulley system?

To calculate the acceleration of masses in a pulley system, you need to apply Newton's Second Law to each mass separately. Set up equations based on the forces acting on each mass, including gravitational force and tension. Solve these simultaneous equations to find the acceleration.

What assumptions are typically made when analyzing a pulley system with Newton's Second Law?

Common assumptions include that the pulley is frictionless and massless, the rope is inextensible and massless, and the system is isolated with no external forces other than gravity acting on it. These simplifications make the mathematical analysis more straightforward.

Similar threads

System of two pulleys and three masses
Replies
22
Views
4K
Ideal Vs Real Mass Pulley system
Replies
10
Views
4K
3 pulley problem with attached masses
Replies
15
Views
4K
Olympiad dynamics problem with 3 masses and a pulley
Replies
17
Views
2K
Why body A has greater acceleration?
Replies
13
Views
799
Newton's Third Law Problem: Two masses, a rope and a pulley
Replies
21
Views
9K
Falling mass, additionally accelerated by a rope
Replies
18
Views
756
Newton's Second Law for Translation and Rotation
Replies
2
Views
3K
Accelerating pulleys (3 pulleys and 3 masses)
Replies
5
Views
2K
Explain friction in a pulley system
Replies
13
Views
6K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top