Atwood's machine is the name of a device that looks like this: Also known as "two masses on a pulley". Surprisingly, this simple device comes up a lot in intro physics texts. It also brings up some ...

This is a classic introductory physics problem. Basically, you have a cart on a frictionless track (call this m 1) with a string that runs over a pulley to another mass hanging below (call this m 2).

Two masses pull a scale in different directions to measure the tension in the string. One mass can be detached and the string held in hand to simulate the string being attached to a wall. The string ...

Introduction Before the industrial age people largely had to rely on muscle power to move and lift heavy objects. Simple machines such as pulleys, levers and ramps made it easier for humans to lift ...