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[Textbook] Particles and , of masses and , are attached to the ends of a light
inextensible string. The string passes over a small smooth fixed pulley and the
Why can’t we just model both particles masses hang with the string taut. The system is released from rest.
as a single particle as before? (a) Write down an equation of motion for and for .
The particles are moving in different (b) Find the acceleration of each mass.
directions, so the tensions do not (c) Find the tension in the string.
cancel. ? (d) Find the force exerted on the pulley by the string.
(e) Find the distance moved by in the first 4 s, assuming that does not reach
the pulley.
Under what conditions is the tension in
each part of the string the same? a For
,: (1)
Single piece of string and smooth 𝐹 For , : (2)
pulley. ? b Adding equations:
𝑇 𝑇
ms-2
Substituting back into (1):
𝑎 𝑎 c N
𝑇
Remember that tension acts
Force exerted on pulley by string:
𝑇 3𝑚
away from each object in the
? direction of the string. This
includes the pulley! 2𝑚 3𝑚𝑔
d N
Diagram 2𝑚𝑔
Ensure that you add the
e m (3sf)
direction of acceleration at
each moving particle, and
resolve forces in this direction.
Two particles and of masses 0.4kg and 0.8kg respectively are
Horizontal and vertical string
connected by a light inextensible string. Particle lies on a rough
horizontal table 4.5m from a small smooth pulley which is fixed at
𝑅 𝑎
the edge of the table. The string passes over the pulley and hangs
freely, with the string taut, 0.5m above horizontal ground. A
𝐴 𝑇 𝑇 frictional force of magnitude 0.08g opposes the motion of particle .
0.08
𝑔 0.4𝑘𝑔
𝑇
The system is released from rest. Find:
𝑎 (a)The acceleration of the system
0.4
𝑔 (b)The time taken for to reach the ground
𝑇
𝐵 (c)The total distance travelled by before it first comes to rest.
0.8𝑘𝑔
a For
, , (1)
For , , (2)
0.8
𝑔 Adding: