Initially the system of masses shown in Figure P5.69 is held motionless. All sur
ID: 2188660 • Letter: I
Question
Initially the system of masses shown in Figure P5.69 is held motionless. All surfaces, pulley, and wheels are frictionless. Let force F be zero and assume that m2 can move only vertically. At the instant after the system of masses is released find...
A) the tension T in the string
B) the acceleration of m2
C) the acceleration of M
D) the acceleration of m1.
(note: the pulley accelerates along with the cart.)
Please explain how to set this problem up I'm having difficulties understanding the concepts behind this problem.
Explanation / Answer
wrt block of mass m1, accelerations of m1,m2 are same and let it be 'a'. let the acceleration of block M be a' . free body diagram of m1: T + (pseudo force on m1) = m1a. where pseudo force = m1a' . T + m1a' = m1a. free body diagram on m2: in upward direction. m2g-T = m2a in horizontal direction N = m2a'. where N is normal force on m2 due to block M. freebody diagram on M: N+T = Ma' solve for a1,a2,M,T from the four equations.