Physics - Mechanics: The Pulley (1 of 2)

Michel van Biezen2 minutes read

The Atwood machine has 8kg and 5kg masses with a frictionless system, resulting in an acceleration of 2 meters per second squared. The tension in the strings is equal on both sides of the system due to the weights and forces involved.

Insights

  • The Atwood machine problem involves analyzing forces on masses in a pulley system to determine acceleration, with the key concept being the net force acting on the system.
  • By applying Newton's second law (F = MA) to the forces involved, the acceleration of the system can be calculated, leading to a crucial understanding that the tension in the strings is equal on both sides due to balancing forces.

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Recent questions

  • What is an Atwood machine?

    A simple pulley system with two masses.

  • How do you calculate acceleration in an Atwood machine?

    Divide net force by total mass.

  • What is the tension in an Atwood machine?

    Equal on both sides of the system.

  • What forces act on an Atwood machine?

    Forces aiding and opposing acceleration.

  • How do you find the net force in an Atwood machine?

    Subtract opposing force from aiding force.

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Summary

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Atwood Machine: Acceleration and Tension Calculations

  • The problem involves an Atwood machine, which is essentially a simple pulley system with two masses suspended on either side.
  • The masses are 8 kilograms and 5 kilograms, with the system being massless and frictionless.
  • To find the acceleration of the system, one must consider the forces acting on the masses.
  • The net force on the system is calculated by subtracting the force opposing acceleration from the force aiding acceleration.
  • Using the equation F = MA, the acceleration is determined by dividing the net force by the total mass of the system.
  • Plugging in the values, the acceleration is found to be 2.26 meters per second squared, but due to significant figures, it should be rounded to 2 meters per second squared.
  • To calculate the tension in the strings, one must consider the weight of the masses and the force required for acceleration, resulting in equal tensions on both sides of the system.
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