Question

A block mass m1 lying on a frictionless inclined plane is connected to a mass m2 by a massless cord passing over a pulley.

1.) determine a formula for the acceleration of the system in terms of m1, m2, Ө, and g.

2.)what conditions apply to mass m1 and m2 for the acceleration to be in one direction (say, m1 down the plane) or in the opposite direction?

Detail is appreciated:) Thanks!

Answer 1

1.) The formula for the acceleration of the system is: a = g * (m1 - m2 * cos(Ө)) / (m1 + m2).

2.) For the acceleration to be in one direction (m1 down the plane), m1 must be greater than m2. For the acceleration to be in the opposite direction, m2 must be greater than m1.