Three blocks on a frictionless surface are connected by massless strings, with M1 = 1.40 kg, M2 = 2.40 kg, and M3 = 3.60 kg. Due to the force F acting on M3, as shown, the system accelerates to the right. Given that T1 is 3.50 N, calculate T2

3 answers

I assume the surface is horizontal.
yes it is
I also am assuming force F is actually pulling on all three masses, and T1 is pulling mass1, and t2 is pulling mass1+mass2.

f=ma
F=(M1+m2+m3)a

a= F/(m1+m2+m3)

but a is the same for all.

T1=m1*a
a= T1/m1= 3.5/1.4
a= T2/(m1+m2)

T2=(1.4+2.4)*3.5/1.4