The question
Name: ______________________ Date: ____________ Two Atwood machines (8 points)
Diagram
Two Atwood machines
Two Atwood machines each use a light string over a light, frictionless pulley. In setup A, blocks of mass m and 2m hang on either side. In setup B, blocks of mass 2m and 3m hang on either side. In each setup the blocks are released from rest.
(a) In which setup is the size of the blocks' acceleration greater? Justify your claim qualitatively, with no equations or calculations. [3 points]
(b) For an Atwood machine with blocks of mass m₁ and m₂ (m₂ > m₁), derive an expression for the size of the acceleration in terms of m₁, m₂ and physical constants. Begin your derivation with Newton's second law. [3 points]
(c) Use your expression from part (b) to explain whether it supports your claim in part (a). [2 points]