Question:
Two objects with masses of 3.00 kg and 5.00 kg are connected by a light string that passes over a frictionless pulley, as in Figure P4.66. Determine (a) the tension in the string, (b) the acceleration of each object, and (c) the distance each object will move in the first second of motion if both objects start from rest.
Figure P4.66
Explanation
Explanation:
Given info: The masses are = 3.00 kg and = 5.00 kg.
The free body diagram is given below.
From the free body diagram,
(I)
(II)
- and are the masses of blocks.
- a is the acceleration.
- g is the acceleration due to gravity.
- T is the tension in the cable.
Re-arrange Equation (II) to get a.
(III)
Substitute Equation (III) in (I) and re-arrange to get T.
Substitute for g, 3.00 kg for and 5.00 kg for to get T.
Conclusion:
The tension in the string is 36.8 N.