Question

The weights in atwoods machine, starting at rest, attain a velocity of 2ft/sec in one sec. Find the ratio of the masses

Answer 1

Refer to the figure shown below.
Let m₁ and m₂ e the two masses.
Let a = the acceleration.
Let T =  tension over the frictionless pulley.

Write the equations of motion.
m₂g - T = m₂a            (1)
T - m₁g = m₁a            (2)

Add equations (1) and (2).
m₂g - T + T - m₁g = (m₁ + m₂)a
(m₂ - m₁)g = (m₁ + m₂)a

Divide through by m₁.
(m₂/m₁ - 1)g = (1 + m₂/m₁)a

Define r = m₂/m₁ as the ratio of the two masses. Then
(r - 1)g = (1 +r)a
r(g-a) = a + g
r = (g - a)/(g + a)

With  = 2 ft/s from rest, the acceleration is
a = 2/32.2 = 0.062 ft/s²
Therefore
r = (32.2 - 0.062)/(32.2 + 0.062) = 0.9962

Answer:
The ratio of masses is 0.9962 (heavier mass divided by the lighter mass).