Question

In the ideal setup shown, m₁ = 3.0 kg, m₂ = 2.5 kg.

a. What is the acceleration of the masses?

b. What is the tension in the string?

Answer 1

a. What is the acceleration of the masses?

$$a=g\frac{m_1-m_2}{m_1+m_2}$$

$$a=9.8*\frac{3.0-2.5}{3.0+2.5}=0.89\:\rm m/s^2$$

b. What is the tension in the string?

$$T=m_1g-m_1a\\ =3.0*9.8-3.0*0.89=27\:\rm N$$