Solving a Tension Problem with 9 kg Handing Weight & 5 kg Block

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the tension in a string connecting a 9 kg hanging weight to a 5 kg block on a flat table, with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.187. The correct approach involves recognizing that the tension in the string is influenced by both the gravitational force acting on the hanging weight and the frictional force opposing the motion of the block. Specifically, the tension can be calculated using the formula T = m1*g - f_friction, where f_friction is determined by the coefficient of kinetic friction and the normal force on the block.

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I believe that I was late the day my instructor explained this type of problem in class, and my textbook is worthless, so I thought I would give this a shot. It's just a tension problem, but I don't know for sure how to do it.

A 9.00 kg handing weight is connected by a string over a pulley to a 5.00 kg block that is sliding on a flat table. If the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.187, find the tension in the string.

I believe that tension is the sum of all forces on the rope correct? I recall my teacher saying that we could turn a similar problem into a problem on the X-axis by making gravity a force pulling on the block in the x-direction. Anyway, I thought that I would just do 9*9.8+-(5*0.187), but that didn't seem right to me because it would seem that a frictional force would increase the tension and not decrease it? I appreciate any help.

-Tristan
 
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eh... I posted my question in the wrong section and they moved it here. I'm actually in Engineering Physics I in college, but I guess it doesn't matter where the question is if I get help.
 
Yes, frictional force would increase tension, not decrease it.
However, if there were NO friction force, there would be NO tension on the rope, not the "9*9.9" you have. If there were no friction force the block would move freely. The tension on the rope IS the friction force.
 

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