Does Weight Difference Affect Velocity in a Frictionless Pulley System?

[bobie]

If two weights (Edit: hanging 10m above ground) on a frictionless pulley are equal (10kg) they will rest. If one is even slightly heavier (10.1kg) it will start to fall lifting up the other.

Is final velocity dependent on the difference of weight, or it will the same as if there is no counterweight?

 

[A.T.]

What do you think?

 

[dean barry]

The final velocity is infinite, the acceleration rate of the system is the dependent, the root equation :
f = m * a

 

[Dale]

Is final velocity dependent on the difference of weight, or it will the same as if there is no counterweight?

Are you familiar with free body diagrams? If so, then draw one for each weight, use that to help you write two equations in two unknowns. Then solve.

 

[A.T.]

The final velocity is infinite

I assume that "final" is when the counterweight hits the pulley.

Are you familiar with free body diagrams? If so, then draw one for each weight, use that to help you write two equations in two unknowns. Then solve.

Or use energy conservation to see if the velocity is the same.

 

[Dale]

Or use energy conservation to see if the velocity is the same.

Excellent suggestion, that is even easier than my approach.