Question 3

A light unstretchable string passing over a smooth light pulley connects two blocks of masses $$m_1$$ and $$m_2$$. If the acceleration of the system is $$\frac{g}{8}$$, then the ratio of the masses $$\frac{m_2}{m_1}$$ is :

For an Atwood machine, the acceleration is given by:

$$a = \frac{(m_2 - m_1)g}{m_1 + m_2}$$

(assuming $$m_2 > m_1$$)

Given $$a = \frac{g}{8}$$:

$$\frac{m_2 - m_1}{m_1 + m_2} = \frac{1}{8}$$

$$8(m_2 - m_1) = m_1 + m_2$$

$$8m_2 - 8m_1 = m_1 + m_2$$

$$7m_2 = 9m_1$$

$$\frac{m_2}{m_1} = \frac{9}{7}$$

The correct answer is Option 4: $$9:7$$.

Create a FREE account and get:

Download resources