1
$\begingroup$

Atwood Machine

The initial length of the spring is $l_0$.

I need help understanding how the potential energy of this system comes to be. I know the answer:

$$ U = -(m_1-m_2)gx-(m_1+m_2)gy+\frac{1}{2}k(y-l_0)^2+U_0 $$

I understand that the term: $\frac{1}{2}k(y-l_0)^2$ is the potential energy of the spring and I know how that comes to be. And I guess that the terms $-(m_1-m_2)gx$ and $-(m_1+m_2)gy$ are the potential energies due to gravity? But where does $U_0$ come from?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
2
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ Are you aware that one can always add a constant $U_0$ without changing the physics? $\endgroup$
    – ACuriousMind ♦
    Commented Mar 28, 2015 at 13:42
  • $\begingroup$ Hmm..that makes sense, thanks. But I still don't know how the terms from the potential energy from gravity comes to be. $\endgroup$
    – Nillo
    Commented Mar 28, 2015 at 13:44

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0
$\begingroup$

There is this famous reality: Addition or subtraction of any constant to potential energy doesn't change the equations of motion.

In your case $U_0$ is just a constant that one can add or subtract freely. You can assume that system had an initial constant potential energy (independent of your generalized coordinates of course) just before you started to examine it.

Because of the vertical motion of the pulley itself you have the term $(m_1 + m_2)gy$. Also, when one of the masses moves downwards, other one should move upwards (Here I assume they are connected with a rope of fixed length). That gives you the other term with a minus sign between masses, i.e; $(m_1 - m_2)gx$.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ It would be a terrible Atwood machine if the masses were not connected by a rope or if the rope were extensible ;) $\endgroup$
    – Kyle Kanos
    Commented Mar 28, 2015 at 13:57
  • $\begingroup$ Yeap, I just wrote it for the sake of clarity. $\endgroup$
    – sahin
    Commented Mar 28, 2015 at 13:58

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.