The Motion of Two Identical Masses Connected by an Ideal String Symmetrically Placed Over a Corner

Asim Gangopadhyaya, Constantin Rasinariu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We introduce a novel, two-mass system that slides up an inclined plane while its center of mass moves down. The system consists of two identical masses connected by an ideal string symmetrically placed over a corner-shaped support. This system is similar to a double-cone that rolls up an inclined set of V-shaped rails. We find the double-cone's motion easy to demonstrate but difficult to analyze. Our example here is more straightforward to follow, and the experimental observations are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalPhysics: Faculty Publications and Other Works
Volume84
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2016

Keywords

  • Kinematics
  • Potential energy surfaces
  • Dynamic mechanical analysis
  • Undergraduates
  • Lagrangian mechanics

Disciplines

  • Physics

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