PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Laws of Motion · Laws of Motion
Problem
A 3.0kg cart rests on a horizontal, frictionless track. Two light strings are attached to the cart and run over low-friction pulleys at opposite ends of the track. On the left, a string pulls the cart rightward with a constant 12N force produced by a hanging mass. On the right, a second string pulls the cart leftward with an equal 12N force produced by another hanging mass, so that the cart initially remains at rest.
At the instant the system is released (t=0), the right-hand string is cut, eliminating the 12N leftward force while the 12N rightward force continues unchanged.
Neglect the masses of strings and pulleys and assume the hanging masses move freely once released.
(a) Calculate the net force acting on the cart for t<0 and for t≥0.
(b) Determine the magnitude of the cart’s acceleration for t≥0.
(c) Compute the cart’s speed after it has traveled 0.80m to the right following the string cut. Give your answer to two significant figures.