Question

A block of mass = 3.21 kg on a frictionless plane inclined at angle theta = 34.5 degree is connected by a cord over a massless, frictionless pulley to a second block of mass m_2 = 2.35 kg hanging vertically (see the figure), What is the acceleration of the hanging block (choose the positive direction down)? What Is the tension in the cord?

Answer 1

a)

here for block 1

F1 = T - m * g * sin(theta)

m1 * a = T - m * g * sin(Theta)

3.21 * a = T - 3.21 * 9.8 * sin34.5

3.21 * a = T - 17.81

T = 3.21 * a + 17.81 .......................(1)

then for block 2

F2 = m * g - T

2.35 * a = 2.35 * 9.8 - T

2.35 * a = 23.03 - T ........................(2)

from 1 and 2 equation

2.35 * a = 23.03 - (3.21 * a + 17.81)

a = 0.938 m/s^2

b)

from 1 equation

T = 3.21 * 0.938 + 17.81

T = 20.82 N