Two objects (39.0 and 21.0 kg) are connected by a massless string that passes over a massless, frictionless pulley. The pulley hangs from the ceiling. Find (a) the acceleration of the objects and (b) the tension in the string.

1 answer

total mass accelerated = 39+21 = 60 kg
total force accelerating = (39-21)g = 18*9.81 = 177 N
a = F/m = 177/60 = 2.95 m/s^2

total force up on little mass = 21 * acceleration up

T - 21(9.81) = 21(2.95)
T = 21 (12.76) = 268 N

check
total force down on big mass = 39*.34 ??
39*9.81 - T = 39(2.95)?
383 - 268 = 115 ?? Yes, good