Two masses M₁=5 ~kg and M₂=10 ~kg are connected at the ends of an inextensible string passing over a frictionless pulley as shown. When the masses are released, then the acceleration of the masses will be

Step-by-step solution

Since M₂>M₁ , therefore M₂ moves downwards and M₁ moves upwards with an acceleration a as shown in the figure. Free body diagram of M₁ The equation of motion for M₁ is T-M₁ g=M₁ a Free body diagram of M₂ The equation of motion for M₂ is M₂ g-T=M₂ a Adding (i) and (ii), we get a= (M₂-M₁ ) g M₂+M₁ = (10-5) g (10+5) = g 3