The forum discussion centers on calculating the tension in a connecting string in a frictionless pulley system involving two blocks, one weighing 1.0 kg and another weighing 2.0 kg, with an applied force of 8.0 N. The key equations used are Newton's second law, F=ma, and the need to resolve the weight of the 1.0 kg block into components along the incline. The user struggled with the trigonometric calculations necessary to find the weight component acting parallel to the incline, indicating a need for clarity in geometry and trigonometric functions.
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this is goodmandragora said:Homework Statement
If F = 8.0 N and M = 1.0 kg, what is the tension in the connecting string? The pulley and all surfaces are frictionless.
Homework Equations
F=ma
The Attempt at a Solution
8-T=2a (2kg block)
You must first convert mass to weight, and calculate the weight force component acting down the plane (the weight acts straight down, and you can find its components parallel to and perpendicular to the incline). Your trig function is incorrect,,,you will have to do a little geometry to calculate the weight component acting parallel to the plane.