Answer to Question #123731 in Physics for Susan Williams

Question

A mass of 2 kg on a horizontal surface with coefficient of friction equal to 1/2 is connected to a second mass of 4 kg over a frictionless pulley. If g = 10 ms-2, calculate the acceleration of the system when released

Answer 1

$$(m+M)a=Mg-\mu mg=(M-\mu m)g$$

$$(2+4)a=(4-(0.5)2)9.8$$

$$a=4.9\frac{m}{s^2}$$