Physics I

Class 06

Newtons Second Law:

Complex Systems

04-1

Newtons Second Law A Review

Newtons Second Law:

Fnet
F Fnet m a or a m
In a complex system, we must apply this to more than one object and/or
in more than one dimension.
This gives a set of linear equations that we can solve for the unknown
quantities.

04-2

Problem Solving
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Identify all forces acting on the object.

Today: Gravity, contact force, and ropes/strings.
Choose a coordinate system.

If you know the direction of a , use that as one coordinate axis.

Draw a Free-Body Diagram.
We will use two dimensions today.
Express the force vectors in components.
We will use trigonometry today.
Use Newtons Second Law to write one equation for each direction
considered.
Solve the equations.

04-3

Ex) Atwoods Machine to

Measure g
T

M+m

We assume that the string and pulleys are massless

and frictionless. This assures us that the magnitude
of the string tension is everywhere equal to T.

Newtons Second Law:

T

aX
M+m

( M m) g T ( M m) a

(large mass)

T M g M a

(small mass)

Add these equations:

(M m M ) g (M m M ) a

Xa
(M+m)g

Mg

M mM
a
m

(gravitational acc.)
04-4

Atwoods Machine
Including Friction
T

Including a constant friction force of magnitude F

means we have a new force in the equations.
Label the magnitude of the tension acting on the
larger mass T, as before.

T-F

M+m

T-F

aX
M+m

( M m) g T ( M m) a

(large mass)

T F M g M a

(small mass)

Add these equations:

m g F (M m M ) a

Xa
(M+m)g

Mg

F and g are both unknown. How do I find g

without measuring F?
04-5

Solution
I need two constraints in order to solve for two unknowns, so
we make two independent measurements of a , using two
different values of extra mass, m :
m1 g F ( M m1 M ) a1
m2 g F ( M m2 M ) a2

Now solve for g:

g

( M m2 M ) a2 ( M m1 M ) a1
m2 m1

04-6

Ex) Inclined Plane

04-7

Coordinate Systems and

Free-Body Diagrams
X
a

Use trigonometry to determine X & Y components

of forces not aligned with coordinate axes.

04-8

Solving for Acceleration

For mass 1:
X:
T m1 g sin( ) m1 a

Y:

N m1 g cos( ) 0

Note: T , N , and a are magnitudes.

For mass 2:
X:

m2 g T m2 a

To solve for a , add the two X equations:

T m1 g sin( ) m2 g T m1 a m2 a
m m1 sin( )
a 2
g
m1 m2
What would it mean if we found a 0 after plugging in the values?
04-9

Take-Away Concepts
1.

Use the six-step process for doing Newtons Second Law problems for
complex cases, it will help you keep things straight.

2.

For each dimension and each object, you will get one equation. You
may or may not need to know the forces in the normal direction.

3.

You should have the same number of unknowns as equations.

Constraints may also need to be included.

4.

Adding (subtracting) equations is usually a fast way to solve algebraic

equations, but substitution of variables also works.

04-10

Problem of the Day

In this system the smaller mass weighs 2 N and the larger
mass 6 N. The masses are released from rest and begin
accelerating. What is the magnitude of the tension in the
rope while they are moving? Assume the rope and pulley
are frictionless and massless.
A) 2 N.
B) 3 N.
C) 4 N.
D) 6 N.
E) 8 N.
Can you write out an eq. that does not involve T but does
allow you to solve for a ?

2N
6N

04-11