Chapter 8, Problem 22P

(II) Two masses are connected by a string as shown in Fig. 8–34. Mass m_A = 4.0 kg rests on a frictionless inclined plane, while m_B = 5.0 kg is initially held at a height of h = 0.75 m above the floor, (a) If m_B is allowed to fall, what will be the resulting acceleration of the masses? (b) If the masses were initially at rest, use the kinematic equations (Eqs. 2–12) to find their velocity just before m_B hits the floor. (c) Use conservation of energy to find the velocity of the masses just before m_B hits the floor. You should get the same answer as in part (b).

FIGURE 8–34 Problem 22.