Question

A force of 20N pulls two carts tied together with a string. The carts with masses 3kg and 4kg, respectively, run on a smooth level surface. Find :

a. The acceleration of the 4kg cart.

b. The acceleration of the 3kg cart.

c. The tension on the string connecting the two carts.

Answer 1

a, b) The acceleration of both carts will be equal:

$$a=F/(m_1+m_2)=2.9\text{ m/s}^2.$$

c) The tension:

$$T=m_2a=4·2.9=11.6\text{ N}.$$