Question

Two bodies whose masses are m₁ = 50 kg and m₂ = 50 kg are tied by a light string and are placed on a frictionless horizontal surface. When m₁ is pulled by a force F, an acceleration of 5 ms^-2 is produced in both the bodies. Calculate the value of F. What is the tension in the string 1?

Answer 1

The total external Horizontal force applied on the system is F.

∴ Acceleration ‘a’ of the system = \(\frac F{m_1 + m_2} \)m/s²

Given a = 5 m/s²

∴ 5 = \(\frac F{50 + 150} \) m/s²

∴ F = 200 × 5 N

∴ F = 1000 N

Now for finding the tension;

Consider m₂

T – m₂a = 0

∵ T = m₂a.

T = 150 × 5

T = 750 N.