Solving for Tension with a massless cord

[sarahmichelle]

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 :(

 

[lewando]

To start, draw a picture of what is going on to help you organize your thoughts. F=ma would be a relevant equation.

 

[aftershock]

Draw a free body diagram of each can separately.