What Is the Acceleration of Masses on a Frictionless Tabletop with Hanging Mass?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the acceleration of two masses on a frictionless tabletop, with one mass hanging. The user has determined the acceleration of m1 to be 5.2 m/s², but is uncertain about how to find the acceleration of m2. It is clarified that m1 rests on m2, which is on a frictionless surface, and that the kinetic friction between m1 and m2 must be considered. The force due to kinetic friction acting on m1 will also affect m2, causing it to accelerate. Understanding the connection between the masses and the forces involved is crucial for solving the problem.
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Homework Statement


Two masses, m1 = 3.50kg and m2 = 5.00 kg, are on a frictionless tabletop and mass m3 = 7.60kg is hanging from m1. THE COEFFICIENT OF STATIC AND KINETIC FRICTION BETWEEN m1 AND m2 are 0.60 and 0.50 respectively.

a) What are the acceleration of m1 and m2?

Homework Equations



Equation for kinetic and static friction and Newton's second law.

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the acceleration for m1 to be 5.2 m/s^2 by doing

a = ((m3)g - Fk) / (m1 + m3)

Now, I don't know what to do in order to find the acceleration of m2.
Do I have to consider the kinetic friction between m2 and m1 and Newton's third law meaning that m1 exerts a force equal to Fk (force due to kinetic friction) on m2?
 
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are m1 and m2 connected by string or what?
 
cupid.callin said:
are m1 and m2 connected by string or what?

No no. m1 is resting on top of m2. And m2 is on top of a frictionless table. I forgot to add the part in capital letters to the problem.
 
you can find the friction acting on m1 due to m2
same will act on m2 and cause acceleration in it
 
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