Thread: Forces

I'm trying to figure out forces, for my physics project (any good websites, articles, books, or resource?)

Here's what I want to know:

Let's say (this is theoretical) that a 100 kg object is dropped, at the same time it's dropped, it pulls up a 10kg object without friction. What is the acceleration of the 100kg object?

Originally Posted by Quick

I'm trying to figure out forces, for my physics project (any good websites, articles, books, or resource?)

Here's what I want to know:

Let's say (this is theoretical) that a 100 kg object is dropped, at the same time it's dropped, it pulls up a 10kg object without friction. What is the acceleration of the 100kg object?

You are basically describing an Atwood's machine.

Probably the best thing to do would be to see if you can find a Physics textbook. I recommend either Tipler or Serway, but there are many other good texts out there. Both of the one's I mentioned use Calculus, but Calculus plays little role in the type of problem you are thinking of.

If you want to search the net, make sure you look up
1) Addition of vectors (You may have done this already, I suspect.)
2) Newton's Laws of motion
3) Massless strings and Tension
4) Normal force
5) Static and Kinetic friction
6) (Elastic) Spring force and spring constant

You will also want to have several worked examples to help you learn how to set the problems up. I would be happy to help you solve any problem you come up with.

-Dan