Answer to Question #170646 in Physics for Cj

Question

 What happens to the Acceleration in a FRICTIONLESS ATWOOD’s MACHINE if:

a.   mass 1 is equal to mass 2

b.   mass1 is greater than mass2

c.   mass 1 is less than mass 2

WHAT WOULD BE THEIR ACCELERATION?

Answer 1

a.   If mass 1 is equal to mass 2, the acceleration of both blocks will be equal to zero.

b.   If mass 1 is greater than mass 2, the acceleration will be directed downward for mass 1 and upward for mass 2. The magnitude of the acceleration will be equal.

c.   If mass 1 is less than mass 2, the acceleration will be of the same magnitude but opposite direction: downward for the heavier mass and upward for the lighter mass.