Question

A particle of small mass m is joined to a very heavy body by a string over a pulley both bodies are free to move .the total downward force on the pulley is

Answer 1

The heavy body will fall because of acceleration due to gravity. The acceleration of the lighter body will be 'g' in upward direction.

Taking the equilibrium of the small body

 T - mg = ma

but a = g

Therefore:

T - mg = mg

T = 2mg

Reaction at the pulley

2T = 4mg

Answer 2

ANSWER

Using free body diagram you will get this equation

T-mg=ma

but a=g

Therefore, T-mg=mg

T=2mg

Total reaction at the pulley

2T=4mg

Answer

4mg