Calculate the acceleration and tension in an Atwood machine consisting of two masses connected by a string over a pulley. This classic physics problem demonstrates Newton's second law with a system of connected objects.
Enter your values below
First hanging mass
Second hanging mass (heavier one accelerates down)
Default is 9.81 m/s²
How this calculator works
Acceleration equals gravitational acceleration times the difference in masses divided by the sum of the masses.
Common questions about this calculator
These calculators are for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, results should be verified for critical applications. Always consult authoritative sources for engineering or scientific work.
