In Atwood\'s machine, two masses m2 and m1 hang vertically, connected over a fri

Question

In Atwood's machine, two masses m2 and m1 hang vertically, connected over a frictionless pulley, as in the figure. Assume m2 > m1.

Find the magnitude of the masses' acceleration, in terms of m1, m2, and g.
Express your answer in terms of the variables m1, m2, and g.

I'm stuck because I really just don't know what they're asking me to do here. I have no idea how to find a 'magnitude'... we are given no values I dont understand how to go about doing this question!

Thanks

Day.

Explanation / Answer

Here, m2 > m1 Net force on each mass = m2 g - m1 g = ( m2 - m1 ) g Total mass = m1 + m2 Aceleration of each mass, a = Net force / Total mass = ( m2 - m1 ) g / ( m1 + m2 )

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse I
• Subjects

---