Pulley Systems

Question

Two blocks of masses 3 kg and 2 kg are connected by a string passing over a frictionless pulley. What is the acceleration of the system? (g = 10 m/s²)

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **System Analysis**: In an Atwood machine, the heavier mass pulls the system.
2. **Net Force**: Tension $T$ is internal. The net external force is the difference in weights.
   - $F_{net} = (m_1 - m_2)g = (3 - 2) 	imes 10 = 10$ N.
3. **Total Mass**: $M = m_1 + m_2 = 3 + 2 = 5$ kg.
4. **Acceleration**:
   - $a = F_{net} / M = 10 / 5 = 2$ m/s$^2$.
5. **General Formula**: $a = \frac{m_1 - m_2}{m_1 + m_2} g$.

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Pulley Systems

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