Dynamics of a Two-Mass Incline System

← Back to Problems
Dynamics Beginner Incline

Source: Principles of Physics

Problem Sets:

Dynamics set 1008

Problem

A block of mass $m_1$ on a frictionless inclined surface is connected to a hanging block of mass $m_2$ by a cord running over a massless, frictionless pulley. The incline has an angle $\beta$. An upward force of magnitude $F$ acts on mass $m_2$, which has a downward acceleration of magnitude $a$.

  1. What is the tension $T$ in the connecting cord?
  2. What is the angle $\beta$ of the incline?
01K63GC13SMMS99RC34EF7C69H

01K63GC13SMMS99RC34EF7C69H

[Q1] $T = m_2(g - a) - F$ [Q2] $\beta = \arcsin\left(\frac{m_2(g - a) - F - m_1 a}{m_1 g}\right)$

We apply Newton's second law to each mass. Let the downward direction for $m_2$ and the up-the-incline direction for $m_1$ be positive. The acceleration of both blocks has magnitude $a$.

For the hanging mass $m_2$: The net force is the sum of gravity ($m_2 g$), the external force ($F$), and tension ($T$).

$$m_2 g - T - F = m_2 a$$

Solving for the tension $T$:

$$T = m_2 g - F - m_2 a = m_2(g - a) - F$$

For the mass on the incline $m_1$: The net force along the incline is the sum of tension ($T$) and the component of gravity parallel to the incline ($m_1 g \sin\beta$).

$$T - m_1 g \sin\beta = m_1 a$$

Solving for $\sin\beta$:

$$\sin\beta = \frac{T - m_1 a}{m_1 g}$$

Substituting the expression for $T$ from the first equation:

$$\sin\beta = \frac{(m_2(g - a) - F) - m_1 a}{m_1 g}$$

The angle $\beta$ is the arcsin of this expression. For a physical solution, the argument of the arcsin must be between 0 and 1.