Finding acceleration when a 5kg mass is doubled in a pulley system

[jk13]

There are two bodies of mass 5kg and 1 kg on either sides of a pulley. (The string stays vertical and straight at all times). The heavier mass is doubled. The downward acceleration on the string of the hevier mass is "x". Find "x" when g=10m/s-2.
Please help fast!
Desperate!

 

[tiny-tim]

welcome to pf!

hi jk13! welcome to pf!

(try using the X² button just above the Reply box )

There are two bodies of mass 5kg and 1 kg on either sides of a pulley. (The string stays vertical and straight at all times). The heavier mass is doubled. The downward acceleration on the string of the hevier mass is "x". Find "x" when g=10m/s-2.

(what do you mean by "The heavier mass is doubled" ? )

call the tension "T", and do F = ma twice, once for each mass …

show us what you get ​

 

[jk13]

The mass 5 kg is doubled. :p
f=ma
f=5*10=50
f=1*10=10
Correct?

 

[jk13]

Help me please?! :(

 

[tiny-tim]

hi jk13!

f=ma
f=5*10=50
f=1*10=10

no, that's weight = mg

you need F_total = ma, and you need to include the tension, T, and the acceleration, a