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Two blocks are connected by a string passing over a pulley, as shown in Figure 2

ID: 1903604 • Letter: T

Question

Two blocks are connected by a string passing over a pulley, as shown in Figure 2. Block 1, with mass m1 , accelerates downward and Block 2, with mass m2 , accelerates up the incline. The coefficient of kinetic friction between m2 and the incline is ? , as indicated in Fig. 2. Assume that the accelerations are the same in magnitude. Also assume that the tension is the same everywhere in the string.

a) Find the ratio of the mass of Block 2 to Block 1. (That is, find m2 m1 .) Your answer should be in terms of the variables a , ? , and ? .

b) Find m2/m1 if the system is in equilibrium.

Explanation / Answer

writin gthe equations
block 1:

T- m1g = m1a
block 2:
-T+ m2g cos = m2a

now, put T= m1g + m1a

m1g + m1a + m2g cos = m2a

m1/ m2=    g cos + a/ g+ a

for blocks to be in equilibrium

m1/m2= cos