two blocks of the mass M kg and 2,5 kg respectively are connected by a light in extensible string. the string runs over a light frictionless pulley. the blocks are stationary
a) calculate the tension in the string
To find the tension in the string, we can consider the forces acting on each block separately.
For the block with mass M:
- The force acting downwards is its weight, which is equal to Mg.
- The tension in the string acting upwards.
- The net force acting on the block is: T - Mg = 0 (since the block is stationary)
For the block with mass 2.5 kg:
- The force acting downwards is its weight, which is equal to 2.5g.
- The tension in the string acting upwards.
- The net force acting on the block is: T - 2.5g = 0 (since the block is stationary)
Now we can solve the above equations simultaneously to find the value of T:
T - Mg = 0
T - 2.5g = 0
From the first equation:
T = Mg
Substitute this back into the second equation:
Mg - 2.5g = 0
Mg = 2.5g
M = 2.5 kg
So, the tension in the string is equal to the weight of the block with mass M, which is 2.5g or 24.5 N.