Calculating Force for Two Boxes Dragged on a Frictionless Surface

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To calculate the force required to drag two 103 kg boxes and two 1.03 kg ropes on a frictionless surface with a constant acceleration of 1.19 m/s², the total mass must be considered. The mass of the ropes does matter since they are being accelerated along with the boxes. The correct approach is to sum the masses of the boxes and ropes, then apply the formula F = ma. This results in treating the entire system as one combined mass for the force calculation. Understanding this concept is crucial for solving similar physics problems effectively.
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Homework Statement


Two 103 kg boxes are dragged along a fric-
tionless surface with a constant acceleration
of 1.19 m/s2, as shown in the figure.
Each rope has a mass of 1.03 kg.

m8e8ls.jpg


Homework Equations


F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


I wasn't sure where to go with this problem. I am mostly just wondering if the weight of the rope matters at all. I don't think I have ever come across a problem where the rope had a weight. Also just to make sure I'm thinking this through the right way, if the weight of the rope doesn't matter I would just act as the masses as one and then from the force from there? I'm not sure if that is right, I haven't been in a Physics class in 2 or 3 years so I'm a little rusty. Any help would be great! Thanks
 
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PinguNinjitsu said:

Homework Statement


Two 103 kg boxes are dragged along a fric-
tionless surface with a constant acceleration
of 1.19 m/s2, as shown in the figure.
Each rope has a mass of 1.03 kg.

m8e8ls.jpg


Homework Equations


F=ma


The Attempt at a Solution


I wasn't sure where to go with this problem. I am mostly just wondering if the weight of the rope matters at all. I don't think I have ever come across a problem where the rope had a weight. Also just to make sure I'm thinking this through the right way, if the weight of the rope doesn't matter I would just act as the masses as one and then from the force from there? I'm not sure if that is right, I haven't been in a Physics class in 2 or 3 years so I'm a little rusty. Any help would be great! Thanks
Well, if you are accelerating the rope along with the boxes, yes, its mass will matter (not weight, mass because this is horizontal motion and gravity doesn't enter into it). Just add all masses, both boxes and ropes, together and multiply by the acceleration: F= ma.
 
Hello.

Try to think of the boxes as one. Combine the masses since there is no friction.
Think of it as one mass.
 
WOW! that reply came just as i wrote mine. haha
 
Thank you! Thats what I was thinking I was supposed to do, just wanted to make sure!
 

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