NEETPhysicsLaws of Motion
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): In an Atwood machine consisting of two unequal masses connected by a light string over a smooth pulley, the tension in the string is greater than the weight of the heavier mass and less than the weight of the lighter mass. Reason (R): The heavier mass accelerates downwards, meaning the net force on
Options
- ABoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- BBoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- C(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
- D(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Correct answer
D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Step-by-step solution
Let the heavier mass be m₁ and the lighter mass be m₂ . For the heavier mass m₁ , it accelerates downwards. The equation of motion is: m₁g - T = m₁a T = m₁(g - a) This shows that the tension T is strictly less than the weight of the heavier mass ( T For the lighter mass m₂ , it accelerates upwards. The equation of motion is: T - m₂g = m₂a T = m₂(g + a) This shows that the tension T is strictly greater than the weight of the lighter mass ( T > m₂g ). Therefore, Assertion (A) is incorrect. Reason (R) correctly states