# Blocks being pulled by a string

by alexialight
Tags: blocks, pulled, string
 P: 7 I'm just starting to get my head around the concepts of Tension and Force but I'm stuck on this question, I was wondering if anyone could help me out? Q: 3 identical blocks connected by ideal strings are being pulled along a horizontal frictionless surface by a horizontal force F. The magnitude of the tension in the string between blocks B and C is T. Assume that each block has mass m. i> What is the magnitude of the force? (Expressed in terms of T) ii> What is the magnitude of the accleration of the three blocks (in terms of m and F)? I worked out the acceleration on block B (T/(2*m)) but don't know what to do next. I'd really appreciate any help with this. Attached Thumbnails
 P: 20 The acceleration is the same for the entire system. So the force must be (m1 + m2 + m3)*a hope that helps
 P: 7 I think it does... that would make the Force 3/2*T right? So in terms of m and F, the acceleration would be F/3m ?
 P: 453 Blocks being pulled by a string Yes, you are right. $$F - T = m_ca$$, or $$F = T + m_ca = T + m(\frac{T}{2m}) = \frac{3}{2}T$$
 P: 7 Awesome - Thanks a lot

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