In an atwood’s machine, the larger mass is 4.2 kg and the smaller mass is 1.5 kg. ignoring friction, what is the acceleration of the masses?

a = 4.64 m/s²

Explanation:

Given that,

Larger mass, M = 4.2 Kg

Smaller mass, m = 1.5 Kg

Friction of pulley = 0

Acceleration of the masses, a = ?

In an Atwood's machine,

Tension in the string, T

Acceleration due to gravity, g

The net force on the smaller mass is, f = T - mg  ( f = ma)

The net force on the larger mass is,   F = Mg -T  (F = Ma)

Since the acceleration 'a' of the two masses remains the same, the equations can be solved to a.

Adding the above equations

                          ma + Ma = Mg -mg

                          a (m + M) = (M - m) g

Substituting the values in the above equation

                                       = 4.64 m/s²

Hence, the acceleration of  the masses, a = 4.64 m/s²  

what experimental evidence led scientists to change from the previous model to this one?

a few of the positive particles aimed at a gold foil seemed to bounce back.

the colors of light emitted from heated atoms had very specific energies.

experiments with water vapor showed that elements combine in specific proportions.

cathode rays were bent in the same way whenever a magnet was brought near them.