AS level Mechanics help-pulleys

Hi, I am stuck on a pulleys question, one of the ones where one particle is on the table and one is hanging off it. If the table is described as smooth, and therefore there is no friction, how would I write an equation of motion?

Hi, I am stuck on a pulleys question, one of the ones where one particle is on the table and one is hanging off it. If the table is described as smooth, and therefore there is no friction, how would I write an equation of motion?

Have you drawn a diagram?

Smooth means friction = 0, so it's just T - 0 = 1.5a ... T=1.5a

Smooth means friction = 0, so it's just T - 0 = 1.5a ... T=1.5a

Don't give answers - ypu are breaking forum rules - try to get the poster have a go first.

Lol! I thought the poster's great diagram was worthy of support! I don't think stating "T=1.5a" is a spoiler; they still have to use their second equation and solve them!

yes. Any chance you might be able to tell me how to write the equation for particle P? I know how to do Q, it's just that P isn't acted on by friction as the surface is smooth

Don't give answers - ypu are breaking forum rules - try to get the poster have a go first.

Technically speaking, you're missing a force there - you've shown the weight of P acting against the table so there needs to be a reaction force ("R") acting upwards to balance it - P isn't burrowing through the table

have to say I think you're being a little harsh in this case - the poster did give the F = ma hint first, and once you've got that (which the OP must surely have got imprinted in their head anyway), there really isn't very much else left to write down -