Two blocks of mass and are connected by a light

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Laws of Motion · Laws of Motion

Problem

Two blocks of mass

m_1=1.0\,\text{kg}

and

m_2=3.0\,\text{kg}

are connected by a light, inextensible string and rest on a horizontal, frictionless surface. A constant horizontal force of magnitude

8.0\,\text N

is applied to the

3.0\,\text{kg}

block in the positive

x

-direction for

2.0\,\text s

. The string remains taut throughout the motion. (a) Draw clearly labeled free-body diagrams for each block, identifying all horizontal forces acting on each. (b) Determine the magnitude of the common acceleration of the two-block system while the force is applied. (c) Calculate the tension in the string during the interval of applied force. (d) Compute the magnitude of the impulse imparted during the

2.0\,\text s

interval (i) to the

1.0\,\text{kg}

block, (ii) to the

3.0\,\text{kg}

block, and (iii) to the two-block system considered as a single object. (e) Explain how your answers in part (d) are consistent with Newton’s third law for the internal string force and with the external force acting on the system.

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