Question

A light string passing over a smooth light pulley connects two blocks of masses m₁ and m₂ (vertically). If the acceleration of the system is g/8, then the ratio of the masses is

(a) 8 : 1 

(b) 9 : 7 

(c) 4 : 3 

(d) 5 : 3.

Answer 1

(b) : a/g = (m₁ - m₂)/(m₁+m₂)

Therefore, 1/8 = (m₁ - m₂)/(m₁ + m₂)

or m₁/m₂ = 9/7.