Thread: Tensions between three objects

In Fig. 5-49, three connected blocks are pulled to the right on a horizontal frictionless table by a force of magnitude T3 = 72.5 N. If m1 = 15.8 kg, m2 = 22.0 kg, and m3 = 33.8 kg, calculate (a) the magnitude of the system's acceleration, (b) the tension T1, and (c) the tension T2.

Fig. 5-49
Problem 51.

Originally Posted by BiGpO6790

In Fig. 5-49, three connected blocks are pulled to the right on a horizontal frictionless table by a force of magnitude T3 = 72.5 N. If m1 = 15.8 kg, m2 = 22.0 kg, and m3 = 33.8 kg, calculate (a) the magnitude of the system's acceleration, (b) the tension T1, and (c) the tension T2.

Fig. 5-49

Problem 51.

You seem to have posted all your homework questions on this topic. MHF does provide that sort of service. Please show some effort with these questions. What have you tried? Where do you get stuck?

Originally Posted by BiGpO6790

In Fig. 5-49, three connected blocks are pulled to the right on a horizontal frictionless table by a force of magnitude T3 = 72.5 N. If m1 = 15.8 kg, m2 = 22.0 kg, and m3 = 33.8 kg, calculate (a) the magnitude of the system's acceleration, (b) the tension T1, and (c) the tension T2.

Fig. 5-49

Problem 51.

Draw the forces acting on each block and apply Newton's Second Law of Motion to each block.

Block m1: 15.8a = T1 .... (1)

Block m2: 22a = T2 - T1 .... (2)

Block m3: 33.8a = 72.5 - T2 .... (3)

Now solve equations (1), (2) and (3) simultaneously for T1, T2 and a.