Question

A light string passing over a smooth light pulley connects two blocks of masses $m_{1}$ and $m_{2}$ (vertically). If the acceleration of the system is $g/8$ , then the ratio of masses is

• A. $8:1$
• B. $9:7$
• C. $4:3$
• D. $5:3$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

In the given system,
$a=\frac{m_{1} - m_{2}}{m_{1} + m_{2}}=\frac{g}{8}$
$\therefore \, \, \frac{m_{1} - m_{2}}{m_{1} + m_{2}}=\frac{1}{8}$
$8m_{1}-8m_{2}=m_{1}+m_{2}$
$7m_{1}=9m_{2}$
$\frac{m_{1}}{m_{2}}=\frac{9}{7}$