Question

An Atwood machine that consists of two blocks mass (m1,m2) tied together with a massless rope that passes over a fixed pulley.If m1=m2=m. Determine the acceleration of the block of mass m2. Suppose,m1→[infinity],while m2 remains finite.What value does the magnitude of the tension approach.

Answer 1

a = 0 m/s²

T = 2m₂g

Step-by-step explanation:

In this scenario of a pulley with two masses hanging vertically over it, the formula of acceleration is given as follows:

a = g(m₁ - m₂)/(m₁ + m₂)

It is given that: m₁ = m₂ = m

Therefore,

a = g(m - m)/(m + m)

a = g(0)/(2m)

a = 0 m/s²

The tension of the rope in such case is given by the following formula:

T = 2m₁m₂g/(m₁ + m₂)

It is given that: m₁ = ∞

Therefore,

T = 2(∞)m₂g/(∞ + m₂)

T = ∞(2m₂g)/∞(1 + m₂/∞)

T = 2m₂g/(1 + 0)

T = 2m₂g