Answer to Question #238177 in Molecular Physics | Thermodynamics for Kelani

Question

A block of mass m₁ = 20.4 kg is on a frictionless table to the left of the second block of mass m₂ = 23.7 kg, attached by a horizontal string (see the figure below).

(a) If a horizontal force of 1.13 ✕ 10² N is exerted on the block m₂ in the positive x-direction, use the system approach to find the acceleration (in m/s²) of the two blocks.

___ m/s²

(b) What is the tension (in N) in the string connecting the blocks?

____ N

Answer 1

a)

$F=m_1a+m_2a,\implies$

$a=\frac F{m_1+m_2}=2.56~\frac m{s^2},$

b)

$T=m_1a=52.3~N.$