Question involving 2 pulleys and 2 masses.

[putongren]

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.

 

[PhanthomJay]

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.