Chapter 8, Problem 31PCE

The two masses in the Atwood’s machine shown in Figure 8-33 are initially at rest at the same height. After they are released, the large mass, m₂, falls through a height h and hits the floor, and the small mass, m₁, rises through a height h. (a) Find the speed of the masses just before m₂ lands, giving your answer in terms of m₁, m₂ g, and h. Assume the ropes and pulley have negligible mass and that friction can be ignored. (b) Evaluate your answer to part (a) for the case h = 1.2m, m₁ = 3.7 kg, and m₃ = 4.1kg.