M1 Dynamics Help

A block P of mass 0.6kg resting on a smooth surface of a horizontal table. inextensible light strings connect P to blocks A and B which hang freely over light smooth pulleys placed at opposite parallel edges of the table. the masses of A and B are 0.3kg and 0.5kg respectively. all portions of the string are taut and perpendicular to their respective edges of the table. the system is released from rest. calculate:

a) the common magnitude of the acceleration of the blocks
b) the tension in the strings

I've tried working this out and came to this, however my answer was wrong, any help would be appreciated.
Block A: t - 0.3g = 0.3a
Block B: 0.5g - t = 0.5a
therefore 0.2g = 0.8a and a = 2.45

Hi, as much as I appreciate your method, the OP has done pretty much what the markscheme normally dictates in M1 modules. Resolving using two equations is how most of us are taught to answer these questions. The only problem with the OP's working is that they have done it the wrong way round. I have attached an image with my working.

Hi, as much as I appreciate your method, the OP has done pretty much what the markscheme normally dictates in M1 modules. Resolving using two equations is how most of us are taught to answer these questions. The only problem with the OP's working is that they have done it the wrong way round. I have attached an image with my working.

I appreciate you may be expected to do it via multiple equations, however your diagram and working don't match the question. It's a different arrangement.

You've assumed that the tension is the same in each of the strings. This is not the case, since the masses are accelerating.


Easiest method is to treat the whole setup as one thing to start, and use F=ma

F= (0.5-0.3)g = (0.5+0.6+0.3)a