Answer:
2.96 m/s2
Step-by-step explanation:
Set Up: Apply ∑→ Fy=m → ay to the load of bricks & to the counterweight.
The tension is the same at each end of the rope.
The rope pulls up with the same force T on the bricks & on the counterweight.
The counterweight accelerates downward and the bricks accelerate upward; these accelerations have the same magnitude.
Solve: Apply ∑→ Fy=m → ay to each object. The acceleration magnitude is the same for the two objects.
For the bricks take +y to be upward since vector a (→ a) for the bricks is upward: ∑→ Fy=m → ay
T – m1g = m1a
For the counterweight take +y to be downward since → a is downward: ∑→ Fy=m → ay , m2g – T = m2a
Add the two equations to eliminate T and then solve for a.
m2g ⎯ m1g = m1a + m2a
(m2⎯ m1)g = (m1 + m2)a
a = (m2− m1/ m1 + m2)g
= (28 kg−15 kg/15 kg+28 kg) (9.8 m/s2) = 2.96 m/s2