Problem 5-62 F, accel., and tension - Part 4 - B

Two blocks are connected by a string passing over a pulley. Neglect friction and the rotation of the pulley. If the masses are \(m_1 = 3.7\;kg\) and \(m_2 = 2.7\; kg,\) determine the magnitudes of:

(a) the acceleration of the blocks

(b) the tension in the string.

[Ans. (a) \(5.7 \;m/s^2\) (b) \(15 \;N\)]

Diagram of pulley

Accumulated Solution

\(a_1 = a_2 =a\)

FBD with direction arrows to right

FBD of forces acting on mass

Correct!

The force that accelerates \(m_1\) is:

(A)   \(T\)

(B)   \(m_1g\)

(C)   \(T - m_1g\)

(D)   \(m_1g - T\)