Question

Two masses are connected by a string that passes over a pulley. The mass m₁ is 9.2 kg, and the mass m₂ is 1.6 kg. When the masses are simultaneously released from rest, what is the magnitude of their acceleration (in m/s²)? Neglect any friction.

[Note: if you need to enter a number in scientific notation, use 'e'. For example, 1200 = 1.2e3 and 0.0012 = 1.2e-3. Include several decimal places in your calculations and your answer to avoid rounding error. Do not include units with your answer.]

Answer 1

Let the magnitude of the acceleration is a.

Let the tension in the string is T.

Mass m₁=9.2 kg.

Mass m₂=1.6 kg.

For the mass m₁

For the mass m₂

  

  

From equation one and two we can say

  

The magnitude of their acceleration is 6.896296296 m/s².