Atwood machine
Definition
The Atwood machine is a simple mechanical device that consists of two masses connected by a string or rope passing over a pulley. It is used to study the concepts of tension, acceleration, and equilibrium in a system.
Analogy
Imagine you and your friend are playing tug-of-war with two equally heavy bags. As you both pull with equal force, the bags remain stationary. This is similar to an Atwood machine where the forces on each side balance out.
Related terms
Tension: The force transmitted through a string, cable, or any type of flexible connector when it is pulled at both ends.
Equilibrium: A state in which all forces acting on an object cancel out, resulting in zero net force and no acceleration.
Newton's Second Law: States that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.
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