Question

Two masses are joined by a massless string. A 30-N force applied vertically to the upper mass gives the system a constant upward acceleration of 3.2 m/ s 2 . If the string tension is 18 N, what are the two masses?

Answer 1

The mass of both masses are 0.923 kg and 1.38 kg.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that,

Upward force = 30 N

Acceleration = 3.2 m/s²

Tension in string= 18 N

We need to calculate the mass of first mass

Using balance equation

`ma=F-T-mg`

Where, m = mass

F = force

T = tension

a = acceleration

Put the value into the formula

`m*3.2=30-18-m*9.8`

`m=(30-18)/(3.2+9.8)`

`m=0.923\ kg`

We need to calculate the mass of second mass

Using balance equation

`ma=T-mg`

`m(a+g)=T`

Put the value into the formula

`m=(18)/(3.2+9.8)`

`m=1.38\ kg`

Hence, The mass of both masses are 0.923 kg and 1.38 kg.