Tension

How to Do It
Use the following steps to solve these kinds of problems: (1) Draw a free-
body diagram for each block; (2) resolve vectors into their components; (3)
write Newton’s second law for each block, being careful to stick to your
choice of positive direction; and (4) solve the simultaneous equations for
whatever the problem asks for.

The Drill
In the diagrams below, assume all pulleys and ropes are massless, and use the
following variable definitions:
Find the tension in each rope and the acceleration of the set of masses.
(For a greater challenge, solve in terms of F, M, and μ instead of plugging in
values.)

1. Frictionless

2. Frictionless

3. Frictionless

4. Coefficient of Friction μ

5.

6.
7. Frictionless

8. Frictionless

9. Frictionless
10. Coefficient of Friction μ

11. Coefficient of Friction μ

12. Frictionless

13. Frictionless
 14. Coefficient of Friction μ

The Answers
1. a = 10 m/s2
2. a = 3.3 m/s2
T = 3.3 N

See step-by-step solution below.

3. a = 1.7 m/s2
T1 = 1.7 N
T2 = 5.1 N
4. a = 1.3 m/s2
T = 3.3 N
5. a = 3.3 m/s2
T = 13 N

See step-by-step solution below.

6. a = 7.1 m/s2
T1 = 17 N
 T2 = 11 N
7. a = 3.3 m/s2
T = 6.6 N
8. a = 6.7 m/s2
T1 = 13 N
T2 = 10 N
9. a = 1.7 m/s2
T1 = 5.1 N
T2 = 8.3 N
10. a = 6.0 m/s2
T = 8.0 N
11. a = 8.0 m/s2
T1 = 10 N
T2 = 4.0 N
12. a = 5.0 m/s2
T = 15 N
13. a = 3.3 m/s2
T1 = 13 N
T2 = 20 N
14. a = 0.22 m/s2
T1 = 20 N
T2 = 29 N

Step-by-Step Solution to Problem 2

Step 1: Free-body diagrams:

No components are necessary, so on to the next step.

Step 2: Write Newton’s second law for each block, calling the rightward
direction positive: