Atwood Machine
Derivation
Atwood Machine Derivation
Change the lab; m1 is GREATER THAN m2.
m1 is Ascending
1. What direction are the hanging masses accelerating? Draw an arrow next to each mass to indicate the direction of each mass' acceleration.
2. Draw an FBD beside each hanging mass. Try to draw the FBDs qualitatively correct.
3. Define the positive direction for each mass. The positive direction is the direction the mass is accelerating.
4. Sum the forces for each mass/FBD.
5. How do the tensions supporting each mass compare?
6. Choose a method to combine the two summation equations and solve for the acceleration.
7. Where in your workbook can you find the derived equation for an Atwood machine?
Repeat the above steps for m1 is Descending.
NEED HELP
David Carroll
www.GravityKills.net