Two blocks are connected by a light string that passes over a frictionless pulley. The system is released from rest while m2 is on the floor and m1 is a distance h above the floor.

Question

(a) Assuming m1>m2, find an expression for the speed of m1 just as it reaches the floor.
(b) Taking m1= 6.5 kg, m2=4.2 kg, and h=3.2 m, evaluate your answer to part (a)
(c) Find the speed of each block when m1 has fallen a distance of 1.6 m.

Answer 1

P=mgh