Two blocks connected by a light string are being pulled across a frictionless horizontal tabletop by a hanging 10-N weight (block C) (see figure below). Block A has a mass of 3 kg. The mass of block B is only 2 kg. The blocks gain speed as they move toward the right, and the strings remain taut at all times. What are the values of the tensions T 1 and T 2 ?
Solution
Let the acceleration of the entire system be a
Mass of block C=10/9.8=1 kg
From free body diagram of C, 10-T2=1*a=a
10-T2=a...(i)
From free body diagram of A, T2-T1=3a...(ii)
From.free body diagram of B,T1=2a...(iii)
Solving (I),(ii) and (iii), we get
T2=3.33 N
T1=1.33 N
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