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PHY 101 PHY 101 Past Questions Objective Question
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Question

In the Atwood machine, two masses m1 and m2 (with m2 > m1) are suspended over a frictionless pulley. The acceleration a of the system is given by:
Options
A a = ((m2 - m1)/(m1 + m2))g
Correct Answer
B a = ((m1 + m2)/(m2 - m1))g
C a = ((m1)/(m1 + m2))g
D a = ((m2)/(m1 + m2))g
Correct Answer

Option A is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

For an Atwood machine, solving the equations of motion for the two masses yields a = ((m2 - m1)/(m1 + m2))g. The net driving force is the difference in weights, and the total mass being accelerated is the sum.

Hint

The net force on the system is (m2g - m1g), and the total mass is (m1 + m2).

Question Info

Course: PHY 101
Topic: PHY 101 Past Questions
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 477 of 1250
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