Q84 / 100 · BITSAT 2024 (Memory Based Paper 2) · Physics

A light string passing over a smooth light pulley connects two blocks of masses $\mathrm{m}_1$ and $\mathrm{m}_2$ (where $m_2 \gt m_1$). If the acceleration of the system is $\frac{\mathrm{g}}{\sqrt{2}}$, then the ratio of the masses $\frac{m_1}{m_2}$ is:

  • Correct answer
    A
    $\frac{\sqrt{2}-1}{\sqrt{2}+1}$
  • B
    $\frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{\sqrt{5}-1}$
  • C
    $\frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{\sqrt{2}-1}$
  • D
    $\frac{\sqrt{3}+1}{\sqrt{2}-1}$

Solution

Acceleration is given as: $a=\left(\frac{m_2-m_1}{m_1+m_2}\right) g$ $\Rightarrow \frac{\mathrm{g}}{\sqrt{2}}=\left(\frac{\mathrm{m}_2-\mathrm{m}_1}{\mathrm{~m}_1+\mathrm{m}_2}\right) \mathrm{g}$ $\Rightarrow \sqrt{2}\left(m_2-m_1\right)=m_1+m_2$ $\Rightarrow \frac{\mathrm{m}_1}{\mathrm{~m}_2}=\left(\frac{\sqrt{2}-1}{\sqrt{2}+1}\right)$

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.

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