Problem 5-62 F, accel., and tension - Part 5 - D

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) \(15 \;N\)]

Accumulated Solution

\(a_1 = a_2 =a\)

Correct!

Now apply Newton's 2^nd law to the two objects. The results are:

(A)   \(m_1g- T = m_1a; \; T = m_2a\)

(B)   \(m_1g - T = m_2a; \;T = m_1a\)