Solving Acceleration Problem: Find a3 Differently

In summary, the conversation revolves around finding a3 in a solved question by considering m2 and m1 as one mass. However, the provided answer is not matching and the speaker is unable to find the mistake. The problem is that treating m1 and m2 as a single system leads to finding the acceleration of their center of mass, which is not the same as the acceleration of the pulley. This approach would work if m1 and m2 were fixed together, but in this case, they are in relative motion.
  • #1
varunKanpur
7
0
I am thinking of finding a3 through another way in this solved question

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I am thinking of considering m2 and m1 as one mass but answer in not matching. I couldn't find what I am doing wrong.
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Thanx in advance .
 

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  • #2
varunKanpur said:
I am thinking of considering m2 and m1 as one mass but answer in not matching. I couldn't find what I am doing wrong.
The problem with treating m1 and m2 as a single system is that the acceleration you'll find (using Newton's 2nd law) will be the acceleration of their center of mass. That acceleration is not the same as the acceleration of the pulley.

If m1 and m2 were fixed together, instead of in relative motion, then you'd be fine. (Obviously, that is not the case here.)
 

FAQ: Solving Acceleration Problem: Find a3 Differently

What is acceleration and why is it important to solve for a3 differently?

Acceleration is the rate at which an object's velocity changes over time. It is important to solve for a3 differently because it allows us to understand how an object's velocity is changing at a specific point in time, rather than just looking at the overall change in velocity.

What are the basic equations used to solve acceleration problems?

The basic equations used to solve acceleration problems are:
1. a = (v2 - v1) / t
2. v2 = v1 + at
3. d = v1t + 1/2at^2
where a is acceleration, v1 and v2 are initial and final velocities, t is time, and d is displacement.

How do you find a3 differently using the equations?

To find a3 differently, we can use the third equation mentioned above, d = v1t + 1/2at^2. This equation allows us to calculate the displacement of an object at a specific time. By rearranging the equation to solve for acceleration (a), we can find a3 differently by plugging in the known values for displacement (d), initial velocity (v1), and time (t).

What are some common units used for acceleration?

Some common units used for acceleration are meters per second squared (m/s^2), centimeters per second squared (cm/s^2), and feet per second squared (ft/s^2). These units represent the change in velocity per second.

How can we apply the concept of acceleration to real-life situations?

Acceleration is a fundamental concept in physics that can be applied to various real-life situations. For example, understanding acceleration can help us analyze the motion of cars on a race track, the take-off of an airplane, or the movement of a roller coaster. It also plays a crucial role in many engineering and technological applications, such as designing efficient vehicles and calculating the forces on structures.

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