Question

Let m₁ = 1 kg, m₂ = 2 kg and m₃ = 3 kg in figure (5-E12). Find the accelerations of m₁, m₂ and m₃. The string from the upper pulley to m₁ is 20 cm when the system is released from rest. How long will it take before m, strikes the pulley ?

Answer 1

Let the block m+1+ moves upward with acceleration a, and the two blocks m₂ an m₃ have relative acceleration a₂ due to the difference of weight between them. So, the actual acceleration at the blocks m₁, m₂ and m₃ will be a₁.