Q.
Two masses $M$ and $M/2$ are joined together by means of light inextensible string passed over a frictionless pulley as shown in the figure. When the bigger mass is released, the small one will ascend with an acceleration of
A) $\frac{g}{3}$
B) $\frac{3g}{2}$
C) $\frac{g}{2}$
D) $g$
Explanation
(a) $Acceleration,\ a = \frac{M_{1} - M_{2}}{M_{1} + M_{2}}g$
$= \frac{M - \frac{M}{2}}{M + \frac{M}{2}}g = \frac{\frac{M}{2}}{\frac{3M}{2}}g = \frac{g}{3}$
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.