All Flashcards
What are the steps to derive the acceleration formula for an Atwood machine?
- Draw free body diagrams for each mass. 2. Apply Newton's Second Law (ΣF=ma) to each mass. 3. Combine the equations to eliminate tension and solve for acceleration (a).
How do you identify force pairs according to Newton's Third Law?
- Identify the interacting objects. 2. Determine the type of force (tension, friction, gravity, etc.). 3. Visualize the direction of the forces; they must be opposite.
What is the first step in analyzing an Atwood machine problem?
Draw free-body diagrams for each mass, showing tension (T) and weight (mg).
After drawing free body diagrams, what's the next step in solving Atwood machine problems?
Apply Newton's Second Law (ΣF = ma) to each mass.
What is the final step to calculate the acceleration of an Atwood machine?
Eliminate tension (T) from the two equations and solve for acceleration (a).
In a typical Atwood machine diagram, label the forces acting on each mass.
For m1: Tension (T) upwards, weight (m1g) downwards. For m2: Tension (T) upwards, weight (m2g) downwards.
Label a free-body diagram for a block being pushed horizontally.
Applied force (F) to the right, Normal Force (N) upwards, Weight (mg) downwards, and Friction (f) to the left (if applicable).
Label the forces acting on a swimmer pushing off a wall.
Force by swimmer on wall (action), Force by wall on swimmer (reaction).
Label the forces acting on a block being pulled by a string.
Tension (T) along the string, weight (mg) downwards, normal force (N) upwards.
Label the forces acting on a child on a swing at rest.
Tension (T_L) and (T_R) upwards, Weight (W) downwards.
Define Newton's Third Law.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
What is an action-reaction pair?
A pair of equal and opposite forces acting between two interacting objects.
Define 'action' in the context of Newton's Third Law.
The force exerted by one object on another.
Define 'reaction' in the context of Newton's Third Law.
The equal and opposite force exerted by the second object back on the first.
What is an Atwood Machine?
Two masses connected by a string over a pulley, used to demonstrate the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.