Connected Particles summary

Key learning points

• Tension is equal throughout a light inextensible string over a smooth pulley.
• Fixed string length links the magnitudes of the accelerations.
• Resolve parallel to each particle’s motion.
• Define a positive direction consistently.

Worked example 1 — Constraint

Why do two masses over a smooth pulley have equal acceleration magnitudes?

Working

The kinematic constraint comes before writing equations of motion.

Worked example 2 — Tension is equal throughout a light inextensible string

Use this method from the Connected Particles sheet: Tension is equal throughout a light inextensible string over a smooth pulley.

Working

Each key learning point matches a question type on the printable worksheet.

Worked example 3 — Fixed string length links the magnitudes of the acceler

Use this method from the Connected Particles sheet: Fixed string length links the magnitudes of the accelerations.

Working

Each key learning point matches a question type on the printable worksheet.

Worked example 4 — Resolve parallel to each particle’s motion

Use this method from the Connected Particles sheet: Resolve parallel to each particle’s motion.

Working

Each key learning point matches a question type on the printable worksheet.

Worked example 5 — Define a positive direction consistently

Use this method from the Connected Particles sheet: Define a positive direction consistently.

Working

Each key learning point matches a question type on the printable worksheet.

Scaffolded Learning Sheet and answers (PDFs)

This page is a short, searchable overview for revision and search engines. Use the Scaffolded Learning Sheet first, then the Answers PDF for a full written solution. The printable PDFs remain the main classroom resource.