Final answer:
The magnitude of the linear acceleration of the hanging masses in an Atwood machine can be calculated using the formula: a = (m2 - m1)g / (m1 + m2). The given masses are 1.33 kg on the right and 1.78 kg on the left. Plugging in these values, the magnitude of the acceleration is 1.3816 m/s^2.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an Atwood machine, the magnitude of the linear acceleration of the hanging masses can be calculated using the formula:
a = (m2 - m1)g / (m1 + m2)
Where:
a is the magnitude of the linear acceleration
m1 is the mass on the left (1.78 kg)
m2 is the mass on the right (1.33 kg)
g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2)
Plugging in the given values, we get:
a = (1.33 kg - 1.78 kg) * 9.8 m/s^2 / (1.78 kg + 1.33 kg)
a = -0.44 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 / 3.11 kg
a = -1.3816 m/s^2
Since the question asks for the magnitude of the acceleration, we take the absolute value:
a = 1.3816 m/s^2