Horizontal Tension Between Two Blocks?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the tension in a rope connecting two blocks being pulled by a horizontal force of 70 N. The blocks have masses of 11.0 kg and 26.0 kg, with a kinetic friction coefficient of 0.100. Participants clarify that the net force acting on the blocks is equal to the applied force minus the frictional forces. The key to solving the problem is determining the acceleration of the blocks and using the equation T = m1*a, where T is the tension and m1 is the mass of the first block. Ultimately, the tension must account for both the acceleration of the mass and the frictional force acting on it.
cryptcougar
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Homework Statement


Two blocks connected by a rope of negligible mass are being dragged by a horizontal force Fvec. Suppose Fvec = 70.0 N, m1 = 11.0 kg, m2 = 26.0 kg, and the coefficient of kinetic friction between each block and the surface is 0.100.

Determine the tension T.

Diagram: [ m1 ] ------Tension (T)----- [ m2 ] ------> Force

Homework Equations


F = ma

The Attempt at a Solution


Ok I'm assuming that the Net force pulling the two blocks = 70 N
I really don't know where to start in this problem I've tried finding the Forces of the friction
on the blocks and subtraced them from the net force but I'm just confused.
 
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Welcome to PF.

You got the F = ma part ok.

So what gets accelerated?

How much mass determines what the acceleration is right? Less of course the effects of friction.

So how much mass is getting accelerated by the 70N?

And if it is all accelerating together, then what must the net force be on the last mass being pulled with the tension?
 
I figured it out!
Turns out you don't even need to really now the coefficient of friction.

All i did was find the acceleration of the blocks and use T=m1a
and found the tension
 
cryptcougar said:
I figured it out!
Turns out you don't even need to really now the coefficient of friction.

All i did was find the acceleration of the blocks and use T=m1a
and found the tension

The Tension needs to not only accelerate the mass, but it also needs to overcome the friction.

Your tension then is m1*a + m1*g*μ
 

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