Solving for Tension with a massless cord

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in cords supporting two 2.0 kg paint buckets, both at rest and under upward acceleration of 1.30 m/s². For part (a), the tension in each cord is equal to the weight of the buckets, resulting in a tension of 19.6 N. In part (b), when the buckets are accelerated upward, the tension in the upper cord increases to 25.6 N, while the tension in the lower cord remains at 19.6 N due to the acceleration affecting only the upper cord.

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Homework Statement


One 2.0kg paint bucket is hanging by a massless cord from another 2.0 kg bucket, also hanging by a massless cord.

a) If the buckets are at rest, what is the tension of each cord?
b) If the two buckets are pulled upward with an acceleration of 1.30m/s2 by the upper cord, calculate the tension in each cord.

Homework Equations


F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


Don't know where to start :(
 
Last edited:
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To start, draw a picture of what is going on to help you organize your thoughts. F=ma would be a relevant equation.
 
Draw a free body diagram of each can separately.
 

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