Question

Four similar bars each of mass m are joined by strings and placed on a smooth table (Fig.). A force F is applied to the first bar. Find the tension in each of the strings. Neglect the frictional forces between the bars and the table.

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

Under the action of the force F the entire system begins to move with an acceleration a. The equation for Newton's second law for each of the bars has the form 

F - f₁ = ma; f₁ —f₂ = ma; 

f₂ —f₃ = ma; f₃— f₃ = ma; 

where f₁, f₂, f₃ are the tensions in the strings (Fig.). Solving of these equations, we can determine all the tensions and the acceleration a with which the system moves.