My Attempt at Answering an Unusual Pulley Problem
Having a debate over the solution to a math or physics problem? Well, you've come to the right place! Leave it to MathyJaphy to settle your dispute. And I promise to take your side! Just kidding, but I'll give it a go and let you know my opinion. And I might even make a video about it. That's how this one came about.
In a first year physics class, one usually encounters problems involving pulleys. This one has an unusual set-up in that the string is not pulling the attached block in the direction of its motion. I don't know how to calculate the movements of the objects at the ends of the string. But the problem only asks to say which object experiences the greater acceleration, which I think can be seen intuitively. Providing a rigorous solution that would satisfy your professor? That's a bit trickier. How did I do?
Animations created using Desmos Graphing Calculator (https://www.desmos.com/calculator) with the help of Desmos Player (https://github.com/MathyJaphy/DesmosP...)
Edited with iMovie.
Music: "Jaracanda", iMovie Song ( • Jaracanda | iMovie Song-Music )