Two particles of masses and () are connected by a light inextensible string passing over a smooth fixed pulley (Atwood's machine). Find the acceleration of the system.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C.
For descending mass : .
For ascending mass : .
.
.
For ascending mass : .
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- Step 1: Apply Newton's Second Law to each mass independently along their respective directions of motion :
- Step 2: Add the two equations of motion to eliminate the internal string tension :
- Step 3: Solve for the acceleration :
Answer
.
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