A light string passing over a smooth light pulley connects two blocks of masses m1 and m2 (where m2 > m1). If the acceleration of the system is g 2, then the ratio of the masses m1m2 is:
- 1 + 5 5 - 1
- 3 + 1 2 - 1
- 2 - 1 2 + 1
- 1 + 5 2 - 1
Answer
(3) 2 - 1 2 + 1
Solution
Atwood machine: a = (m2 - m1)gm1 + m2
m2 - m1m2 + m1 = 1 2
Divide by m2 (let r = m1m2): 1 - r1 + r = 1 2
2 - 2 r = 1 + r
r = 2 - 1 2 + 1
Answer: (3)