Two masses, m₁ and m₂, connected by a massless string, are accelerated uniformly on a frictionless surface as shown. The ratio of the tensions ₁/ ₂ is given by A) m₁/m₂ B) m₂/m₁ C) (m₁ + m₂)/m₂ D) m₁/(m₁ + m₂) E) m₂/(m₁ + m₂)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Let a be the acceleration of both masses. Then, using Newton's Second Law, we have: m₁*T₁ - m₁*a = m₁*g m₂*T₂ - m₂*a = m₂*g where g is the acceleration due to gravity. Dividing the two equations, we get: T₁/T₂ = m₁/m₂ Therefore, the answer is D.

Two Masses, M1 and M2, Connected by a Massless String

Two Masses, M₁ and M₂, Connected by a Massless String