Is the Tension in the String Correct?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the tensions T1 and T2 in a system involving three objects with given masses and a force applied. The context includes the application of Newton's second law (F=ma) to determine the accelerations and tensions within the system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the tensions using the total force and mass of the system, leading to confusion regarding the calculation of T2. Some participants question the clarity of the problem setup and the definitions of the objects involved, while others suggest alternative methods for calculating T2.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's calculations, pointing out potential errors and clarifying the problem setup. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the calculations, but some guidance has been provided regarding the approach to finding T2.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the identification of the objects and their roles in the system, particularly what is meant by object A. Additionally, there are indications of possible sign errors in the calculations presented by the original poster.

prakhargupta3301
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Homework Statement


We have to find T1 and T2
upload_2018-6-29_12-48-6.png

From right to left objects are: A B C

Homework Equations


F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


Okay. So I found acceleration of whole system:
F=ma
200N= (20+10+5)*a
200/35=a
a= 40/7 ms-2

Now, finding T1 is fairly simple:
f=ma
T1=5*(40/7)
T1=200/7 Newtons (Let's not reduce it right now to decimals)Now, T2. This is where the problem arises.
T2 can be calculated by the difference of the forces on object A.
f=ma
Force on A= 10kg*(40/7)
= 400/7 Newtons

T2 will be:
200-T2= 400/7
200-400/7= T2
1000/7 Newtons= T2

1000/7N= 142.75 Newtons.
Is this answer correct? Please tell me. I'm very confused.
Thank you for reading.
 

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It is not clear from your description what A is, bit it seems to be the 10 kg mass to the right by your attempt.

prakhargupta3301 said:
200= T2- 400/7 (T2 is greater than 400/7 N but obviously lesser than 200 N)
200-400/7= T2
Apart from the fact that you made a sign error in the first that mysteriously disappeared in the second step, yes, this is a viable approach.
 
Orodruin said:
It is not clear from your description what A is, bit it seems to be the 10 kg mass to the right by your attempt.Apart from the fact that you made a sign error in the first that mysteriously disappeared in the second step, yes, this is a viable approach.
Thanks a bunch for:
a) Replying and conforming
b) pointing out the mistakes in the query.
I have corrected them.
 
Your method for T2 works but why not just erase mass A and the 200N force and apply f=ma to what's left.
 

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