Question

So we were working on some pulley problems but this one has kinda left me scratching my head, please help! My question is for part C :' )

Answer 1

Explanation:

(c) I assume we're looking for mA.

Sum of forces on B in the -y direction:

∑F = ma

mBg − T = mBa

Sum of forces on A in the +x direction:

∑F = ma

T = mAa

Substitute:

mBg − mAa = mBa

mBg − mBa = mAa

mA = mB (g − a) / a

Plug in values:

mA = (5 kg) (10 m/s² − 0.01 (10 m/s²)) / (0.01 (10 m/s²))

mA = 495 kg

The answer key seems to have a mistake.  It's possible they meant mB = 1 kg, or they changed mB to 5 kg but forgot to change the answer.