Find tension between blocks 2 & 3

In summary, the problem involves three blocks connected by strings with masses of 0.8kg, 2.2kg, and 1.7kg. Assuming no friction, the equations used are F=ma and W=mg. The tensions are labeled as T1 and T2, and the acceleration is labeled as "a". By applying F=ma to each block and solving for "a", the acceleration is found to be 0.5 m/s^2.
  • #1
Rey4312
13
0

Homework Statement



There are three blocks connected by strings as shown in the figure. Each block has the mass as following mass,
m1=0.8kg
m2=2.2kg
m3=1.7kg
Assuming there is no friction,


Homework Equations



F=MA

The Attempt at a Solution



In my FBD of the hanging box
[itex]\uparrow[/itex] <--- Tension
[]
[itex]\downarrow[/itex] <--- W=mg

^^ in y direction: T-W=0
T=W

The FBD of the box on the table
[itex]\uparrow[/itex] <---Normal Force
[] [itex]\rightarrow[/itex] <--- Tension
[itex]\downarrow[/itex] <--- W=mg

^^ x direction: t=0
y direction: Fn-W=O

But I am completely confused on how to find the tension of the boxes
 

Attachments

  • Screen shot 2012-02-29 at 4.23.01 PM.png
    Screen shot 2012-02-29 at 4.23.01 PM.png
    17.7 KB · Views: 671
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Hi Rey4312! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Call the tensions "T1" and "T2", and the acceleration "a" (it'll be the same for all three boxes, won't it? :wink:)

Then do F = ma three times, once for each box, and solve …

what do you get? :smile:
 
  • #3
But if i do that the acceleration = 0 and so it makes all the forces 0... right??or am i missing something and it should be gravity?
 
  • #4
Yes, you need to include W (=mg) for the hanging box.
 
  • #5
W for the hanging box is 16.66

and W for box 2(m2) is 21.56...

Where do i go from there, because that doesn't give me acceleration...
 
  • #6
i figured it out... i ended up having to do m2a+m1a
 

Related to Find tension between blocks 2 & 3

What is tension?

Tension is a force that is exerted on an object when it is pulled or stretched. In this context, it refers to the force between the two blocks.

Why is it important to find tension between blocks 2 and 3?

Knowing the tension between the two blocks can help determine the overall stability and movement of the system. It is also important for calculating the forces and accelerations of the blocks.

How can the tension between blocks 2 and 3 be calculated?

Tension can be calculated using Newton's laws of motion, specifically the second law which states that the sum of all forces acting on an object is equal to its mass times its acceleration (F=ma). By analyzing the forces acting on the blocks, the tension between them can be determined.

What factors can affect the tension between blocks 2 and 3?

The tension between the two blocks can be affected by the mass of each block, the angle of the rope or string connecting them, and any external forces acting on the system such as friction or air resistance.

How can the tension between blocks 2 and 3 be changed?

The tension between the two blocks can be changed by adjusting the forces acting on the system. This can be done by altering the mass of the blocks, changing the angle of the rope or string, or applying external forces such as pushing or pulling on one of the blocks.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
488
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
266
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
Back
Top