PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Laws of Motion · Laws of Motion
Problem
A 5.0kg block (block C) rests on a horizontal, frictionless table. It is connected by a single, lightweight, inextensible string that passes over a small, frictionless pulley located at the table’s right edge. The string then hangs vertically downward and is attached to a 3.0kg block (block D).
At the instant shown, the system is released from rest.
(a) Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration of the two-block system. Show all steps in your reasoning.
(b) Determine the magnitude of the tension in the string while the blocks accelerate. Include appropriate units and show how you arrived at your answer.
(c) The pulley is mounted so that the horizontal segment of the string leaving block C meets the vertical segment leading to block D at a right angle. Find the magnitude of the net force that the string exerts on the pulley axle while the blocks accelerate. Express your answer in terms of the tension you found in part (b).