Question involving 2 pulleys and 2 masses.

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SUMMARY

The acceleration of block m2 is definitively twice that of block m1, expressed as 2a. This conclusion arises from the mechanics of the pulley system, where the motion of the right pulley affects the distances traveled by both masses. As the right pulley moves left, it simultaneously adds and subtracts string, resulting in mass m2 traveling twice the distance of mass m1. This relationship between distance and acceleration, along with the equal time for both masses to move, confirms the acceleration ratio.

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1. Homework Statement
If the magnitude of the acceleration of block m1 is a, what is the magnitude of the acceleration of block m2?

Homework Equations


None.

The Attempt at a Solution


The answer is 2a. Is it because the top string of the right pulley is adding string, while simultaneously, the lower string is subtracting string while the right pulley goes left pulling mass2? The motion is constrained by the pulley. The result would cause the mass2 to go twice the distance than mass 1. Since distance is related to acceleration, acceleration is twice as well.
 
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your explanation is very good however I would add that distance is related to acceleration and time, and the time for each mass to move its respective distance is the same.
 

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