Two masses M1= 5 KG and M2= 10 kg are connected at the ends of an inextensible string passing over a frictionless pulley as shown . When the masses are released ,then the acceleration of the masses will be : (Where 'g' is acceleration due to gravity) ?

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1 Answer
Dec 24, 2017

The acceleration is =3.27ms^-1

Explanation:

Let the tension in the string be =TN

Let the acceleration of the masses be =ams^-2

The acceleration will be the same for both masses

Applying Newton's Second Law

For the mass of 10kg

10g-T=10a, =>, T=10g-10a...........(1)

For the mass of 5kg

T-5g=5a, =>, T=5a+5g...........(2)

Solving for a in equations (1) and (2)

Let the acceleration due to gravity de g=9.8ms^-2

10g-10a=5a+5g

15a=10g-5g=5g

Therefore,

a=5/15g=3.27ms^-1