Problem related to Newton's Laws

[RuthlessTB]

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

ƩF=0
ƩF= m a

The Attempt at a Solution

Since there is no friction do I assume the objects will move?
or it will remain equilibrium since m1 is 120N which is way higher than 50N.

 

[Doc Al]

Since there is no friction do I assume the objects will move?
or it will remain equilibrium since m1 is 120N which is way higher than 50N.

Why would the weight of m1 matter? (The mass of m1 matters though.)

Note that m1 moves horizontally while m2 moves vertically.

 

[RuthlessTB]

m1:
T - 0 = m1 a

m2:
m2g - T = m2 a

I need now to calculate acceleration first in order to get the value of the tension

T = m1 a
-T + m2g = m2 a

[m2g = a(m1+m2)]
50 = a(12+5)
a= 50/17 = 2.94 m/s^2

Now to calculate the tension
T= m1 a
T= 12 (2.94) = 35.3 N

My question is, are the steps in red color right?

 

[Doc Al]

m1:
T - 0 = m1 a

m2:
m2g - T = m2 a

I need now to calculate acceleration first in order to get the value of the tension

T = m1 a
-T + m2g = m2 a

[m2g = a(m1+m2)]
50 = a(12+5)
a= 50/17 = 2.94 m/s^2

Now to calculate the tension
T= m1 a
T= 12 (2.94) = 35.3 N

My question is, are the steps in red color right?

Yes, using a value of g = 10 m/s^2.