3. Two objects of masses M and m (M> m) are connected by a very light flexible string as shown in the figure. Ignoring friction and the mass of the pulley use Newton's second law to find the expressions for the acceleration of each block and the tension in the string. m M

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
icon
Related questions
Topic Video
Question

you need to show your work, not only the results. 

**Problem Statement:**

3. Two objects of masses M and m (M > m) are connected by a very light flexible string as shown in the figure. Ignoring friction and the mass of the pulley, use Newton’s second law to find the expressions for the acceleration of each block and the tension in the string.

**Description of the Diagram:**

The diagram shows a pulley system with two masses, M and m, connected by a string. The pulley is mounted on a fixed support. Mass M is hanging on one side of the pulley and mass m is hanging on the other side. 

---

*Explanation:*

To solve for the acceleration and the tension in the string, we start by defining the forces acting on each object.

For mass M:
- The weight \( W_M \) acts downward: \( W_M = M \cdot g \)
- The tension \( T \) in the string acts upward.

Using Newton’s second law: 
\[ M \cdot a = M \cdot g - T \]  

For mass m:
- The weight \( W_m \) acts downward: \( W_m = m \cdot g \)
- The tension \( T \) in the string acts upward.

Using Newton’s second law: 
\[ m \cdot a = T - m \cdot g \]

By adding the two equations, we eliminate T:
\[ M \cdot g - T + T - m \cdot g = M \cdot a + m \cdot a \]
\[ (M - m) \cdot g = (M + m) \cdot a \]
\[ a = \frac{(M - m) \cdot g}{M + m} \]

Next, substitute the expression for acceleration \( a \) back into one of the original equations to solve for the tension \( T \):
\[ T = m(g + a) = m \left(g + \frac{(M - m) \cdot g}{M + m}\right) \]
\[ T = m \left(\frac{g(M + M - m)}{M + m}\right) \]
\[ T = m \left(\frac{(M + m) \cdot g}{M + m}\right) = \frac{2mgM}{M+m}\]

Thus, 
1. The acceleration of each block is \( a = \frac{(
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem Statement:** 3. Two objects of masses M and m (M > m) are connected by a very light flexible string as shown in the figure. Ignoring friction and the mass of the pulley, use Newton’s second law to find the expressions for the acceleration of each block and the tension in the string. **Description of the Diagram:** The diagram shows a pulley system with two masses, M and m, connected by a string. The pulley is mounted on a fixed support. Mass M is hanging on one side of the pulley and mass m is hanging on the other side. --- *Explanation:* To solve for the acceleration and the tension in the string, we start by defining the forces acting on each object. For mass M: - The weight \( W_M \) acts downward: \( W_M = M \cdot g \) - The tension \( T \) in the string acts upward. Using Newton’s second law: \[ M \cdot a = M \cdot g - T \] For mass m: - The weight \( W_m \) acts downward: \( W_m = m \cdot g \) - The tension \( T \) in the string acts upward. Using Newton’s second law: \[ m \cdot a = T - m \cdot g \] By adding the two equations, we eliminate T: \[ M \cdot g - T + T - m \cdot g = M \cdot a + m \cdot a \] \[ (M - m) \cdot g = (M + m) \cdot a \] \[ a = \frac{(M - m) \cdot g}{M + m} \] Next, substitute the expression for acceleration \( a \) back into one of the original equations to solve for the tension \( T \): \[ T = m(g + a) = m \left(g + \frac{(M - m) \cdot g}{M + m}\right) \] \[ T = m \left(\frac{g(M + M - m)}{M + m}\right) \] \[ T = m \left(\frac{(M + m) \cdot g}{M + m}\right) = \frac{2mgM}{M+m}\] Thus, 1. The acceleration of each block is \( a = \frac{(
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
First law of motion
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON