3 masses and an inclined pulley system

In summary, the problem involves a tension between a 6 kg and a 4 kg object, with an acceleration of 2.1m/s and a net force of 40N. Taking into account a kinetic friction coefficient of 0.4, the correct equation for Newton's 2nd law would be Fnet = ma, where the net force is the sum of all forces. The calculated acceleration should consider the friction coefficient, and the tension can be calculated by considering the forces on the 6 kg mass only.
  • #1
Hdfjgf

Homework Statement


The tension between the 6 kg and 4 kg object
x5gnc-jpg.jpg

as=2.1m/s
Fnet = 40N
assume 0.4 kinetic friction coefficent

Homework Equations


T1- Fnet = mas

The Attempt at a Solution


acceleration is negative because the object is decelerating as it goes up the slope
so T1-40N = 6(-2.1)
T1 = 27.4 N
So is this right is the tension 27.4 N or do we have to include the mass of the 4kg object in the equation
 
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  • #2
Hdfjgf said:
T1- Fnet = mas
Newton's 2nd law says Fnet = ma where Fnet is the sum of all the forces. Your equation does not make sense. You must first add all the forces to get the net force, then you set what you get equal to mass times acceleration.

Also, it would help us help you if you quoted the problem exactly as it was given to you.
 
  • #3
Hdfjgf said:
assume 0.4 kinetic friction coefficent
The acceleration you calculated seems to have ignored this.
Once you have the correct acceleration, just consider the forces on the 6kg mass.
As with kuruman, I cannot make sense of your Fnet equation.
 

Related to 3 masses and an inclined pulley system

1. How does the angle of the inclined pulley affect the system's equilibrium?

The angle of the inclined pulley affects the distribution of weight between the masses. The steeper the angle, the more weight is distributed to the hanging mass, causing it to accelerate faster. On the other hand, a shallower angle results in more weight being distributed to the stationary mass, causing it to move at a faster rate.

2. What is the formula for determining the acceleration of the system?

The formula for calculating the acceleration of a three-mass and inclined pulley system is a = (m1-m2)g/(m1 + m2 + m3), where m1, m2, and m3 are the masses of the hanging, stationary, and pulley masses, respectively, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

3. How does the mass of the pulley affect the system's acceleration?

The mass of the pulley has a negligible effect on the system's acceleration. This is because the pulley acts as a pivot point and does not contribute to the overall weight distribution in the system. The acceleration of the system is primarily determined by the masses of the hanging and stationary masses.

4. How does friction affect the motion of the system?

Friction can affect the motion of the system by slowing it down. If there is friction between the pulley and the string, it can cause the system to lose some of its energy, resulting in a slower acceleration. Additionally, friction between the masses and the surface they are on can also impact the motion of the system.

5. Is the system in equilibrium when all three masses are moving?

No, the system is only in equilibrium when all three masses are stationary and the forces acting on each mass are balanced. In this case, the net force and net torque on each mass is equal to zero, resulting in no acceleration or rotation.

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