A question on work, power and energy

jeudi 1 mai 2014

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

The two blocks in an Atwood machine have masses 2 kg and 3 kg. Find the work done by gravity during the fourth second after the system is released from rest.





2. Relevant equations

Work done by gravity= mgh







3. The attempt at a solution

Both the masses will have the same acceleration 'a'. Let T be the tension in the string.

m1= 2 kg, m2= 3 kg, g= 10 m/s^2



T-m1g=m1a

therefore, T- 20= 2a



m2g- T= m2a

therefore, 30 - T= 3a

on solving both the equations, a= 2 m/s^2



distance travelled by the blocks would be 1/2(at^2). So, the heavier block would travel 16 m downwards and the lighter block 16 m upwards.

Net mass= 3-2= 1 kg

hence, the work done should be

W= mgh= 1 x 10 x 16 = 160J



but the answer is 67J.

where am I going wrong?

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data







2. Relevant equations







3. The attempt at a solution





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