Question

A 5 kg block lies on a rough horizontal surface. The coefficient of static friction μs = 0.22. It is connected to another 3 kg block by a string that passes a frictionless pulley as shown in the figure below.

a. Find the unbalanced force, b. Find the acceleration of the blocks, and c. Find the tension T in the string

Answer 1

$$F=3(9.8)-(0.22)(5)(9.8)=18.6\ N\\ a=\frac{18.6}{3+5}=2.3\frac{m}{s^2}\\T=(0.22)(5)(9.8)=10.8\ N$$