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Two bodies with the same magnitude of acceleration – Application of Newton's law of motion
problems and solutions

1. Two masses m1 = 2 kg and m2 = 5 kg are on inclines and are connected together by a string as shown
in figure. The coefficient of kinetic friction between m1 and incline is 0.2 and the coefficient of kinetic
friction between m2 and incline is 0.1.
(a) Determine their acceleration
(b) Determine the tension force

Known :
Mass 1 (m1) = 2 kg
Mass 2 (m2) = 4 kg
Coeficient of kinetic friction between m1 and incline (μk1) = 0.2
Coeficient of kinetic friction between m2 and incline (μk2) = 0.1
Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 9.8 m/s2

a) Magnitude and direction of acceleration

w1 = weight 1 = m1 g = (2 kg)(9.8 m/s2) = 19.6 Newton

w1x = w1 sin 30o = (19.6 N)(0.5) = 9.8 Newton
w1y = w1 cos 30o = (19.6 N)(0.87) = 17 Newton
N1 = normal force on m1 = w1y = 17 Newton
Fk1 = force of kinetic friction on m1 = μk1 N1 = (0.2)(17 N) = 3.4 Newton
---------
w2 = weight 2 = m2 g = (4 kg)(9.8 m/s2) = 39.2 Newton
w2x = w2 sin 60o = (39.2 N)(0.87) = 34.1 Newton
w2y = w2 cos 60o = (39.2 N)(0.5) = 19.6 Newton
N2 = normal force on m2 = w2y = 19.6 Newton
Fk2 = force of kinetic friction on m2 = μk2 N2 = (0.1)(19.6 N) = 1.96 Newton

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