Physics 151 Class Exercise – Connected Objects w/Friction

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1. Two masses are connected by a rope as shown in the figure to the

right. The table is sufficiently smooth that friction can be ignored in this
problem.
a) Indicate a coordinate system on the diagram. It should “follow the
motion” of the string so that both masses accelerate in the positive
direction with accelerations of equal magnitude.

b) Draw FBDs for each mass N T

c) Write the relevant summation of force equations for both masses. T+x
ΣFx − m1 = T = m1a
ΣFx − m2 = m2 g − T = m2 a m 1g m2g +x
d) Combine the equations to determine an algebraic expression for the acceleration of the
masses. Add the two equations together (which will eliminate T) to get

m2 g = m1a + m2 a = ( m1 + m2 ) a
m2 g
a=
( m1 + m2 ) m2 g
e) Determine an algebraic expression for the tension in the rope? T = m1
( m1 + m2 )
f) Is the tension greater than, equal to, or less than m2g? Justify
your answer with a common sense explanation and an algebraic argument.

The tension would be m2g if m2 were suspended and not accelerating. Since it is moving
m1
<1
downward the tension must be less. From the algebraic equation above:
( 1 2)
m + m
g) Determine the acceleration and tension if m1 = 7 kg and m2 = 4 kg.

( 4kg ) ⎛⎜ 9.81
m⎞
⎟
a=
m2 g
= ⎝ s2 ⎠ m
= 3.57 2
( m1 + m2 ) ⎡⎣( 7 kg ) + ( 4kg ) ⎤⎦ s

( 4kg ) ⎛⎜ 9.81
m⎞
⎟
T = m1
m2 g
= ( 7 kg ) ⎝ s2 ⎠
= 25.0 N
( m1 + m2 ) ⎡⎣( 7 kg ) + ( 4kg ) ⎤⎦
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2. . Two masses are connected by a rope as shown in the figure to the
right. The table is rough and the coefficients of friction for the
block/table interface are µs and µk with µs > µk.
a) Draw the new FBDs?
N T
FBD for m2 is the same.
Ff T+x

m1g m2g +x
b) Write the relevant summation of force equations for both masses (assuming they are
accelerating).

ΣFy − m1 = N − mg = 0
N = mg
ΣFx − m1 = T − Ff = m1a
= T − µ k m1 g = m1a
ΣFx − m2 = m2 g − T = m2 a

c) Formulate a condition that will determine whether or not the m2 g > µ s m1 g

masses accelerate.

d) Assuming that they do move, derive an algebraic expression for the acceleration. Add the
two equations together (which will eliminate T) to get

m2 g − µ k m1 g = m1a + m2 a = ( m1 + m2 ) a
m2 g − µ k m1 g
a=
( m1 + m2 )
e) Determine the acceleration if m1 = 7 kg, m2 = 4 kg, and µk = 0.20.

( 4kg ) ⎛⎜ 9.81
m⎞ ⎛ m⎞
2 ⎟
− ( 0.20 )( 7 kg ) ⎜ 9.81 2 ⎟
m2 g − µ k m1 g ⎝ s ⎠ ⎝ s ⎠ m
a= = = 2.32 2
( m1 + m2 ) ⎡⎣( 7 kg ) + ( 4kg ) ⎤⎦ s