4.

5 cm

18 kg
1.5 m
5.6 kg
At what rate are the two masses accelerating when they pass each other?
Correct answer: 5.14915 m/s2 .

Explanation:

Let : R = 4.5 cm ,
m1 = 5.6 kg ,
m2 = 18 kg ,
h = 1.5 m , and
v = R.

Consider the free body diagrams

m2 g

5.6 kg
m1 g

18 kg

001 10.0 points

A light, inextensible cord passes over a light,
frictionless pulley with a radius of 4.5 cm.
It has a(n) 18 kg mass on the left and a(n)
5.6 kg mass on the right, both hanging freely.
Initially their center of masses are a vertical
distance 1.5 m apart.
The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2 .

This print-out should have 14 questions.

Multiple-choice questions may continue on
the next column or page find all choices
before answering.

pugh (kcp625) HW5 ATWOOD MACHINES huvar (42)

Since the larger mass will move down and

the smaller mass up, we can take motion
downward as positive for m2 and motion upward as positive for m1 . Apply Newtons
second law to m1 and m2 respectively and
then combine the results:
For mass 1:
X
F1 : T m1 g = m1 a
(1)
For mass 2:
X
F2 :

m2 g T = m2 a

(2)

We can add Eqs. (1) and (2) above and obtain:

m2 g m1 g = m1 a + m2 a
m2 m1
g
m1 + m2
18 kg 5.6 kg
(9.8 m/s2 )
=
18 kg + 5.6 kg
= 5.14915 m/s2 .

a=

T = m1 (g + a)
= (5.6 kg) (9.8 m/s2 + 5.14915 m/s2 )
= 83.7153 N .

002 (part 1 of 3) 10.0 points

Consider a massless, frictionless pulley attached to the ceiling. A massless, inextensible
string is attached to the masses Mb and Ma ,
where Mb > Ma . The tensions Ty , Tz , Tx , and
the gravitational constant g are magnitudes.

Tx

Mb

Ma

What is true about the tensions Ty and Tx ?

1. Ty < Mb g

and

Tx > Ma g correct

2. Ty = Mb g

and

Tx < Ma g

3. Ty > Mb g

and

Tx = Ma g

4. Ty = Mb g

and

Tx > Ma g

5. Ty > Mb g

and

Tx > Ma g

6. Ty = Mb g

and

Tx = Ma g

7. Ty < Mb g

and

Tx < Ma g

8. Ty > Mb g

and

Tx < Ma g

9. Ty < Mb g

and

Tx = Ma g

Since the larger mass will move down and

the smaller mass up, we can take motion
downward as positive for Mb and motion upward as positive for Ma . Applying Newtons
second law to Ma and Mb , respectively,
X
F = Tx Ma g = Ma a
(1)
Tx = Ma (g + a) > Ma g ,

and for mass Mb ,

X
F = Mb g Ty = Mb a

Consider the free body diagrams

(2)

Ty = Mb (g a) < Mb g .

003 (part 2 of 3) 10.0 points

Which relationship about Tz is true?
1. Tz > Mb g + Ma g
2. Tz < Mb g + Ma g correct
3. Tz = Mb g + Ma g
Explanation:
The forces are in equilibrium for the pulley,
so

Explanation:
The magnitude of the tension in the string
is the same at all points along the string:

T Ty = Tx .

Ma

Mb g

Ty

Mb

Ma g

Ty

Tz

Tx

pugh (kcp625) HW5 ATWOOD MACHINES huvar (42)

Tz = Ty + Tx
= Mb (g a) + Ma (g + a)
= Mb g + Ma g (Mb Ma ) a
< Mb g + Ma g
004 (part 3 of 3) 10.0 points
What is the magnitude of the acceleration of
the center of mass of the system?
1.

Mb + Ma
g
Mb Ma

pugh (kcp625) HW5 ATWOOD MACHINES huvar (42)

Ma Mb
2.
g
Mb + Ma

2
Mb Ma
3.
g correct
Mb + Ma
Mb Ma
g
4.
Mb + Ma

2
Mb + Ma
5.
g
Mb Ma
Mb + Ma
6.
g
Ma Mb
Explanation:
Since Ty = Tx , adding equations 1 and 2
yields
Mb g Ma g = Ma a + Mb a
Mb Ma
g.
a=
Ma + Mb
Assume that the CM moves downward (and
that aCM > 0):
(Mb + Ma ) aCM = Mb a Ma a
M Ma
a
aCM = b
Mb + Ma

2
Mb Ma
=
g > 0,
Mb + Ma
so the assumption was correct.
keywords:

What is the tension T1 in the string between the two blocks on the left-hand side
of the pulley? The acceleration of gravity is
9.8 m/s2 .
1. T1 = (3 kg) (9.8 m/s2 ) correct


11
2. T1 =
kg (9.8 m/s2 )
3


7
kg (9.8 m/s2 )
3. T1 =
2


8
kg (9.8 m/s2 )
4. T1 =
3


17
kg (9.8 m/s2 )
5. T1 =
6


7
6. T1 =
kg (9.8 m/s2 )
3


13
kg (9.8 m/s2 )
7. T1 =
6


19
kg (9.8 m/s2 )
8. T1 =
6


5
kg (9.8 m/s2 )
9. T1 =
2


10
kg (9.8 m/s2 )
10. T1 =
3
Explanation:

005 (part 1 of 2) 10.0 points

A pulley is massless and frictionless. 2 kg,
1 kg, and 9 kg masses are suspended as in the
figure.

Let :

23.4 m

R = 23.4 m ,
m1 = 2 kg ,
m2 = 1 kg ,
m3 = 9 kg , and
h = 1.4 m .

Consider the free body diagrams

T2

T3
9 kg
m3 g

2 kg

1 kg
T1

9 kg

2 kg

m2 g

1.4 m

m1 g

T3

1 kg
T1

T1

T2

pugh (kcp625) HW5 ATWOOD MACHINES huvar (42)

For each mass in the system

~ net = m~a .
F
Since the string changes direction around
the pulley, the forces due to the tensions T2
and T3 are in the same direction (up). The
acceleration of the system will be down to
the right (m3 > m1 + m2 ), and each mass in
the system accelerates at the same rate (the
string does not stretch). Let this acceleration
rate be a and the tension over the pulley be
T T2 = T3 .
For the lower left-hand mass m1 the acceleration is up and
T1 m1 g = m1 a .

1. a1 =
2. a1 =
3. a1 =
4. a1 =
5. a1 =

(1)

For the upper left-hand mass m2 the acceleration is up and

T T1 m2 g = m2 a .

006 (part 2 of 2) 10.0 points

What is the acceleration of the lower left-hand
block?

(2)

6. a1 =
7. a1 =
8. a1 =

For the right-hand mass m3 the acceleration

is down and

9. a1 =

T + m3 g = m3 a .

10. a1 =

(3)

Adding Eqs. 1, 2, and 3, we have

1
(9.8 m/s2 )
3
1
(9.8 m/s2 ) correct
2
1
(9.8 m/s2 )
6
3
(9.8 m/s2 )
4
1
(9.8 m/s2 )
12
7
(9.8 m/s2 )
12
5
(9.8 m/s2 )
12
5
(9.8 m/s2 )
6
1
(9.8 m/s2 )
4
2
(9.8 m/s2 )
3

(m3 m1 m2 ) g = (m1 + m2 + m3 ) a (4)

m3 m1 m2
g
m1 + m2 + m3
9 kg 2 kg 1 kg
g
=
2 kg + 1 kg + 9 kg
6 kg
=
(9.8 m/s2 )
12 kg
1
= (9.8 m/s2 ) .
2

a=

(5)

The tension in the string between block m1

and block m2 (on the left-hand side of the
pulley) can be determined from Eq. 1:


1
T1 = m1
+1 g
(6)
2
 
3
(9.8 m/s2 )
= (2 kg)
2
= (3 kg) (9.8 m/s2 ) .

Explanation:
The acceleration is the same for every mass
(a a1 ), since the string is inextensible.

keywords:
007 (part 1 of 2) 10.0 points
A pulley is massless and frictionless. The
masses 3 kg, 3 kg, and 7 kg are suspended as
in the figure.

pugh (kcp625) HW5 ATWOOD MACHINES huvar (42)

the system accelerates at the same rate (the

string does not stretch). Let this acceleration
rate be a and the tension over the pulley be
T T2 = T3 .
For the lower left-hand mass m1 the acceleration is up and

22.7 cm

T2

T1 m1 g = m1 a ,

T3

3 kg

for the upper left-hand mass m2 the acceleration is up and

4.3 m

T1

7 kg

T T1 m2 g = m2 a ,

3 kg
What is the tension T1 in the string between the two blocks on the left-hand side
of the pulley? The acceleration of gravity is
9.8 m/s2 .

and for the right-hand mass m3 the acceleration is down and

T + m3 g = m3 a .
Adding,

Correct answer: 31.6615 N.

(m3 m1 m2 ) g = (m1 + m2 + m3 ) a .

Explanation:
Let : R = 22.7 cm ,
m1 = 3 kg ,
m2 = 3 kg ,
m3 = 7 kg , and
h = 4.3 m .

m3 m1 m2
g
m1 + m2 + m3
7 kg 3 kg 3 kg
(9.8 m/s2 )
=
3 kg + 3 kg + 7 kg
= 0.753846 m/s2 .

a=

T1

7 kg

T3

The tension in the string between block m1

and block m2 (on the left-hand side of the
pulley) can be determined from the equation
for m1 :

m3 g

T2
3 kg
m2 g

3 kg
m1 g

T1

Consider the free body diagrams

For each mass in the system

~ net = m~a .
F
Since the string changes direction around
the pulley, the forces due to the tensions T2
and T3 are in the same direction (up). The
acceleration of the system will be down to
the right (m3 > m1 + m2 ), and each mass in

T1 = m1 (a + g)
= (3 kg) (0.753846 m/s2 + 9.8 m/s2 )
= 31.6615 N .

008 (part 2 of 2) 10.0 points

What is the magnitude of the acceleration of
the lower left-hand block?
Correct answer: 0.753846 m/s2 .
Explanation:
The acceleration is the same for every mass,
since the string is inextensible.

pugh (kcp625) HW5 ATWOOD MACHINES huvar (42)

009 10.0 points
A 8.2 kg mass is attached to a light cord that
passes over a massless, frictionless pulley. The
other end of the cord is attached to a 3.5 kg
mass.

0 + m1 g = m2 g +
(m1 m2 ) g =

1
1
m1 v 2 + m2 v 2
2
2

1
(m1 + m2 ) v 2
2

Therefore
v=

8.2 kg

(m1 m2 )
2g
(m1 + m2 )

8.2 kg 3.5 kg
8.2 kg + 3.5 kg
q
2 (9.8 m/s2 )(6.7 m)

= 7.26309 m/s .
6.7 m
keywords:

3.5 kg
Use conservation of energy to determine
the final speed of the masses after the heavier
mass has fallen (starting from rest) 6.7 m .The
acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2 .

010 10.0 points

An Atwood machine is constructed using a
disk of mass 2.5 kg and radius 22.2 cm.

Correct answer: 7.26309 m/s.

22.2 cm

Explanation:

2.5 kg

Let : m1 = 8.2 kg ,
m2 = 3.5 kg ,
= 6.7 m .

1.62 kg

and

3.8 m

8.2 kg

1.21 kg

What is the acceleration of the system?

The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2 .

3.5 kg

Consider the free body diagrams

Correct answer: 0.984804 m/s2 .

m2 g

m1 g

Explanation:

Let the figure represent the initial configuration of the pulley system (before m1 falls
down).
From conservation of energy
K i + Ui = K f + Uf

Let : m = 2.5 kg ,
R = 22.2 cm = 0.222 m ,
m1 = 1.21 kg ,
m2 = 1.62 kg , and
h = 3.8 m .
Consider the free body diagrams

T1
a

m1 g

38 cm

Multiplying by

cw = I

 
1
a
1
2
= mra
mr
2
r
2

2
gives
r

m a = 2 T1 2 T2
= 2 (m1 m2 ) g 2 (m1 + m2 ) a
2 (m1 m2 ) g
a=
m + 2 m1 + 2 m2
2 (1.21 kg 1.62 kg) (9.8 m/s2 )
=
2.5 kg + 2 (1.21 kg) + 2 (1.62 kg)
= 0.984804 m/s2 .
011 10.0 points
Consider two masses of 3.2 kg and 7.9 kg
connected by a string passing over a pulley
having a moment of inertia 9.9 g m2 about
its axis of rotation, as in the figure below.
The string does not slip on the pulley, and the
system is released from rest. The radius of
the pulley is 0.27 m.

Let : I = 9.9 g m2 = 0.0099 kg m2 ,

R = 0.27 m ,
m1 = 3.2 kg ,
m2 = 7.9 kg , and
h = 38 cm = 0.38 m .
Consider the free body diagrams

7.9 kg

3.2 kg

T1 r T2 r =

ccw

Explanation:

T1

1
m r 2 and
2

Correct answer: 1.76509 m/s.

T2

Fnet = m2 a = T2 m2 g
T2 = m2 a + m2 g .

Find the linear speed of the masses after

the 7.9 kg mass descends through a distance
38 cm. Assume mechanical energy is conserved during the motion. The acceleration of
gravity is 9.8 m/s2 .

m2 g

and for the mass m2 ,

3.2 kg

Fnet = m1 a = m1 g T1
T1 = m1 g m1 a

net =

7.9 kg

The net acceleration a = r is in the direction of the heavier mass m1 . For the mass
m1 ,

The pulley is a solid disk, so I =

0.27 m

9.9 g m2

1.21 kg

m2 g

1.62 kg

m1 g

T2

pugh (kcp625) HW5 ATWOOD MACHINES huvar (42)

If we neglect friction in the system, the mechanical energy is constant and the increase
in kinetic energy equals the decrease in potential energy. Since Ki = 0 (the system is
initially at rest), the masses have a common
speed and v = R ,

pugh (kcp625) HW5 ATWOOD MACHINES huvar (42)

T3
K = Kf Ki
1
1
1
= m1 v 2 + m2 v 2 + I 2 ,
2
2
2
 v 2
1
1
1
= m1 v 2 + m2 v 2 + I
2 
2
R
2
1
I
=
m1 + m2 + 2 v 2 .
2
R
From the figure, we see that m2 loses potential
energy while m1 gains potential energy; i.e.,
U2 = m2 g h and U1 = m1 g h. Applying
the principle of conservation of energy in the
form
K + U1 + U2 = 0

15 cm

T2

71 kg
T1

46 kg
2.9 m

21 kg
What is the magnitude of the tension T1 ?
The acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s2 .
Assume up is positive.
Correct answer: 255.995 N.
Explanation:



1
I
m1 + m2 + 2 v 2 = m2 g h m1 g h .
2
R

T1
m1
m1 g

T2
M2
M2 g

= 1.76509 m/s .

and

Consider the free body diagrams

v
u 2 (m m ) g h
2
1
.
v=u
t
I
m1 + m2 + 2
R
v
u 2 (7.9 kg 3.2 kg) (9.8 m/s2 )
u
=u
t
0.0099 kg m2
3.2 kg + 7.9 kg +
(0.27 m)2

0.38 m

Let : M2 = 46 kg ,
m1 = 21 kg ,
Mp = 71 kg ,
= 2.9 m .

The equations of motion for M1 and m2 are

keywords:
012 10.0 points
A pulley (in the form of a uniform disk)
with mass 71 kg and a radius 15 cm is attached to the ceiling in a uniform gravitational field and rotates with no friction about
its pivot. The masses are connected by a
massless inextensible cord and T1 , T2 , and T3
are magnitudes of the tensions.

T1 m1 g = m1 a
T1 = m1 (g + a)
M2 g T2 = M2 a
T2 = M2 (g a)

(1)

(2)

1
a
and since and I = Mp r 2 for a disk,
r
2
the equation of motion for the torque is

pugh (kcp625) HW5 ATWOOD MACHINES huvar (42)

Explanation:
I = (T2 T1 ) r
= [M2 (g a) m1 (g + a)] r


1
a
Mp r 2
= [(M2 m1 ) g (M2 + m1 ) a] r
2
r

Let :

[Mp + 2 (M2 + m1 )] a = 2 (M2 m1 ) g

2 (M2 m1 ) g
Mp + 2 (M2 + m1 )
2 (46 kg 21 kg) (9.8 m/s2 )
=
71 kg + 2 (46 kg + 21 kg)
= 2.39024 m/s2 .

M = 2 kg ,
R = 20.4 cm ,
m1 = 1.07 kg ,
m2 = 1.56 kg ,
h = 4.5 m , and
v = R.

a=

013 10.0 points

An Atwood machine is constructed using a
hoop with spokes of negligible mass. The 2 kg
mass of the pulley is concentrated on its rim,
which is a distance 20.4 cm from the axle.
The mass on the right is 1.07 kg and on the
left is 1.56 kg.

m1 g

1.07 kg

m2 g

T1 = m1 (g + a)
(1)
2
2
= (21 kg) (9.8 m/s + 2.39024 m/s )
= 255.995 N .

T1

T2
1.56 kg

Thus

Consider the free body diagrams

The net acceleration a = r is in the direction of the heavier mass m2 .

For the mass m1 ,
Fnet = m1 a = m1 g T1
T1 = m1 g m1 a
and for the mass m2 ,
Fnet = m2 a = T2 m2 g
T2 = m2 a + m2 g .

20.4 cm

The pulleys mass is concentrated on the

rim, so I = M r 2 , and

2 kg
net =
1.56 kg
4.5 m
1.07 kg
What is the magnitude of the linear acceleration of the hanging masses? The acceleration
of gravity is 9.8 m/s2 .
Correct answer: 1.03715 m/s2 .

ccw

T1 r T2 r = (m r 2 )

cw = I

a

= mra
r
m a = T1 T2

m a = (m1 m2 ) g (m1 + m2 ) a
m a + (m1 + m2 ) a = (m1 m2 ) g

pugh (kcp625) HW5 ATWOOD MACHINES huvar (42)

10

(m1 m2 ) g
m + m1 + m2
(1.07 kg 1.56 kg) (9.8 m/s2 )
=
2 kg + 1.07 kg + 1.56 kg

I = mpulley r 2 and

= 1.03715 m/s2 .

so that for the leftmost pulley

a=

014 10.0 points

An Atwood machine is constructed using two
wheels (with the masses concentrated at the
rims). The left wheel has a mass of 2.3 kg and
radius 22.75 cm. The right wheel has a mass
of 2.7 kg and radius 34.57 cm. The hanging
mass on the left is 1.87 kg and on the right
1.39 kg.

net = I = m r 2

(1)

T2 r2 T3 r2 = m2 r2 a
m2 a = T2 T3 .

(2)

Applying Newtons Law to the hanging

masses,

m4

What is the acceleration of the system?

The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2 .

= mra

and for the rightmost pulley

m2

m3

T1 r1 T2 r1 = m1 r1 a
m1 a = T1 T2

T3

T1
m1

a

m3

m4

m3g

m4g

the net forces are

m3 a = m3 g T1

Correct answer: 0.569492 m/s2 .

and

m4 a = T3 m4 g .

Explanation:

(3)
(4)

Adding these four equations gives

Let :

m1
r1
m2
r2
m3
m4

= 2.3 kg ,
= 22.75 cm ,
= 2.7 kg ,
= 34.57 cm ,
= 1.87 kg , and
= 1.39 kg .

T1
m3

(m3 m4 ) g
m1 + m2 + m3 + m4
(1.87 kg 1.39 kg) (9.8 m/s2 )
=
2.3 kg + 2.7 kg + 1.87 kg + 1.39 kg

a=

= 0.569492 m/s2 .

T2
m1 r1

m1 a + m2 a + m3 a + m4 a = m3 g m4 g

m2r2

a
T3

m4

The net acceleration a = r is in the direction of the heavier mass m3 . Each pulleys mass is concentrated on the rim, so