Please help with the following! (I keep getting 5.6 m/s but the book answer is 2.6 m/s. I can't figure out where I keep messing this up). I am using KE(initial) + PE(initial) = KE(final) + PE(final)

Two blocks are connected by a light string that passes over a frictionless pulley. Block 1 has a mass (m1) of 6.5 kg and block two has a mass (m2) of 4.2 kg. Block 1 is suspended 3.2 m above the ground while block 1 is at rest on the ground. Find the speed of each block when block 1 has fallen a distance of 1.6 m.

Question

Please help with the following! (I keep getting 5.6 m/s but the book answer is 2.6 m/s. I can't figure out where I keep messing this up). I am using KE(initial) + PE(initial) = KE(final) + PE(final)

Two blocks are connected by  a light string that passes over a frictionless pulley. Block 1 has a mass (m1) of 6.5 kg and block two has a mass (m2) of 4.2 kg. Block 1 is suspended 3.2 m above the ground while block 1 is at rest on the ground. Find the speed of each block when block 1 has fallen a distance of 1.6 m.

anonymous · Answer

I got the same answer as you - 5.6 m/s. Maybe someone else has to confirm it, in case we overlooked the same thing while solving the problem.