Randall D. Knight — Rotation of a Rigid Body: Problem 64

Blocks of mass \( m_1 \) and \( m_2 \) are connected by a massless string that passes over the pulley in FIGURE P12.64. The pulley turns on frictionless bearings. Mass \( m_1 \) slides on a horizontal, frictionless surface. Mass \( m_2 \) is released while the blocks are at rest. a. Assume the pulley is massless. Find the acceleration of \( m_1 \) and the tension in the string. This is a Chapter 7 review problem. b. Suppose the pulley has mass \( m_p \) and radius \( R \). Find the acceleration of \( m_1 \) and the tensions in the upper and lower portions of the string. Verify that your answers agree with part a if you set \( m_p = 0 \).