The Student Room Group

M1 - Dynamics

The diagram shows a particle A of mass 0.5Kg suspended by a vertical string. A particle B of mass 0.4 kg is suspended from A by means of another string. A force of 10 N is applied to the upper string and the particles move upwards. Find the tension in the lower string and the acceleration of the system.

The rest of the quests I can do but, it seems questions of this type I can't. Please can someone connotate the method to me. Thanks :biggrin:

10N
|
|
----
| |A 0.5 Kg
----
|
|
----
| | B 0.4 Kg
----
w0rldl3ad3r
The diagram shows a particle A of mass 0.5Kg suspended by a vertical string. A particle B of mass 0.4 kg is suspended from A by means of another string. A force of 10 N is applied to the upper string and the particles move upwards. Find the tension in the lower string and the acceleration of the system.

The rest of the quests I can do but, it seems questions of this type I can't. Please can someone connotate the method to me. Thanks :biggrin:

10N
|
|
----
| |A 0.5 Kg
----
|
|
----
| | B 0.4 Kg
----


The magnitude of the tension in the string between AB is constant in magnitude throughout its length.

Now what does this force do?
i) It is the force pulling B upwards
ii) it is pulling back and hindering A.

(I would mark a force T pulling down on A, and a force T pulling up on B)

Take the direction of motion as positive ( upwards in this case); and consider the particles independently, and in turn, appling Newtons 2nd law ( F = ma)

Considering A

10 - T - 0.5g = 0.5a


Considering B

T - 0.4g = 0.4a


You now have a pair of simultaneous equations in T and a.

Add the equations to give:

10 - 0.5g - 0.4g = 0.5a + 0.4a

10 - 0.9g = 0.9a

100 -9g = 9a

100 - 98 = 9a

2 = 9a

a=2/9

Use this to find T

T - 0.4g = 2/9

etc....


MrM.
100 -9g = 9a

100 - 98 = 9a



OOPS CARELESS MISTAKE HERE

9 x 9.8 is not 98 of course.......

It should have been 88.2

then
100 - 88.2 = 9a etc


Mrm.
Reply 3
Fantastic thank you Mrm