# Homework Help: A question on work, power and energy

1. May 1, 2014

### ritik.dutta3

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
The two blocks in an Atwood machine have masses 2 kg and 3 kg. Find the work done by gravity during the fourth second after the system is released from rest.

2. Relevant equations
Work done by gravity= mgh

3. The attempt at a solution
Both the masses will have the same acceleration 'a'. Let T be the tension in the string.
m1= 2 kg, m2= 3 kg, g= 10 m/s^2

T-m1g=m1a
therefore, T- 20= 2a

m2g- T= m2a
therefore, 30 - T= 3a
on solving both the equations, a= 2 m/s^2

distance travelled by the blocks would be 1/2(at^2). So, the heavier block would travel 16 m downwards and the lighter block 16 m upwards.
Net mass= 3-2= 1 kg
hence, the work done should be
W= mgh= 1 x 10 x 16 = 160J

where am I going wrong?
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

2. May 1, 2014

### Tanya Sharma

You have used distance traveled in 4 seconds .Whereas you need distance traveled during the 4th second i.e between 3rd and 4th sec.

3. May 1, 2014

### ritik.dutta3

Got it! Thanks! :D
The text passage contains a physics problem involving an Atwood machine, where the work done by gravity is calculated. The user asks for help with their solution, and another user points out a mistake in the calculation of the distance traveled.
single_question_with_answer
Given a text passage, determine:
    1. If it contains a mathematical question (including word problems or calculations)
    2. If an answer to that mathematical question is provided in the text

First, describe the content structure you found in 1-2 sentences.

Then provide your analysis in the following format:
TYPE: <one of the following values>
- NO_QUESTION
- SINGLE_QUESTION
- SINGLE_QUESTION_WITH_ANSWER
- MULTIPLE_QUESTIONS
- MULTIPLE_QUESTIONS_WITH_ANSWERS
system
# Homework Help: A question on work, power and energy

1. May 1, 2014

### ritik.dutta3

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
The two blocks in an Atwood machine have masses 2 kg and 3 kg. Find the work done by gravity during the fourth second after the system is released from rest.

2. Relevant equations
Work done by gravity= mgh

3. The attempt at a solution
Both the masses will have the same acceleration 'a'. Let T be the tension in the string.
m1= 2 kg, m2= 3 kg, g= 10 m/s^2

T-m1g=m1a
therefore, T- 20= 2a

m2g- T= m2a
therefore, 30 - T= 3a
on solving both the equations, a= 2 m/s^2

distance travelled by the blocks would be 1/2(at^2). So, the heavier block would travel 16 m downwards and the lighter block 16 m upwards.
Net mass= 3-2= 1 kg
hence, the work done should be
W= mgh= 1 x 10 x 16 = 160J

where am I going wrong?
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

2. May 1, 2014

### Tanya Sharma

You have used distance traveled in 4 seconds .Whereas you need distance traveled during the 4th second i.e between 3rd and 4th sec.

3. May 1, 2014

### ritik.dutta3

Got it! Thanks! :D
user
The text passage contains a physics problem involving an Atwood machine, where the work done by gravity is calculated. The user asks for help with their solution, and another user points out a mistake in the calculation of the distance traveled.

TYPE: SINGLE_QUESTION_WITH_ANSWER