Question #170646
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?
Expert's answer
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.
