Two blocks each of mass 3.38 kg are fastened to the top of an elevator as in the figure.

(b) If the strings can withstand a maximum tension of 87.8 N, what maximum acceleration can the elevator have before the first string breaks?

T(max) = 2m(g+a)= 2mg +2ma.

a={T(max)-2mg}/2m = {87.8-2•3.38•9.8}/2•3.38 =3.2 m/s²