Two blocks, and , are connected by a light, inextensible string and placed on a…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Laws of Motion · Laws of Motion
Problem
Two blocks, m1=1.5kg and m2=2.5kg, are connected by a light, inextensible string and placed on a horizontal, frictionless surface. A constant horizontal force of 15N is applied to m1 only, pulling it away from m2 so that the string becomes taut.
(1) Draw clear free-body diagrams for each block, identifying all horizontal forces acting on each block once the string is taut.
(2) Derive an algebraic expression for the magnitude of the common horizontal acceleration of the two-block system in terms of m1, m2, and the applied force F.
(3) Using the given numerical values, calculate (i) the magnitude of the system’s acceleration and (ii) the tension in the string.
(4) Based on your free-body diagrams and calculations, indicate whether the horizontal forces on each individual block are balanced or unbalanced, and justify each choice.