A block of mass rests on a smooth plane that makes an angle with the horizontal
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A block of mass m2=5.0kg rests on a smooth plane that makes an angle 30∘ with the horizontal. It is tied to another block of mass m1=2.0kg hanging vertically over the top edge of the plane by a light string passing over a frictionless pulley located at the top of the incline. The system is released from rest.
(i) Draw separate free-body diagrams for the two blocks, choosing axes along and perpendicular to the motion of each block.
(ii) Obtain simultaneous equations of motion for the two blocks.
(iii) Solve the equations to derive an expression for the common acceleration of the system and hence find its numerical value.
(iv) Determine the tension in the string after release.