Question

Hello I need help with this question it does not make sense and has very limited information.

Answer 1

First, use Newton's Second Law on each mass.

Mass 1.

`T-W_1=m_1a`

Mass 2.

`\Sigma F_y=m_2a\to W_2-T=m_2a_{}`

Solve the second equation for T.

`T=W_2-m_2a`

Combine the equations.

`W_2-m_2a-W_1=m_1a_{}`

But the weight force is mg.

`m_2g-m_2a-m_1g=m_1a`

Solve for a.

`\begin{gathered} m_2g-m_1g=m_1a+m_2a \\ a(m_1+m_2)=m_2g-m_1g \\ a=(m_2g-m_1g)/(m_1+m_2) \end{gathered}`

Let's say the masses are m_1 = 2 kg and m_2 = 5 kg.

`\begin{gathered} a=(5\cdot9.8-2\cdot9.8)/(2+5) \\ a=(49-19.6)/(7) \\ a=(29.4)/(7) \\ a=4.2\cdot(m)/(s^2) \end{gathered}`

Therefore, the acceleration of the system is 4.2 m/s^2.