Three blocks connected by strings

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Three identical blocks, each with a mass of 0.6 kg, are connected by strings on a frictionless surface and accelerate at 4.0 m/s² due to an applied force F. The calculations show that F equals 7.2 N, with tension forces Tab and Tbc calculated as 4.8 N and 2.4 N, respectively. The relationship between the tensions indicates that Tab is greater than Tbc, as Tab accelerates two masses while Tbc only accelerates one. The equation F = Tab + Tbc holds true in this scenario due to the equal masses. Understanding and accurately drawing Free Body Diagrams (FBDs) is crucial for verifying these calculations in physics.
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Homework Statement


Three identical blocks, each of mass 0.6 kg, are connected by light strings. Assume that they lie on a frictionless, horizontal surface and are observed to have an acceleration of 4.0 m/s2 under the action of a force F.


Homework Equations


Calculate F and two tension forces Tbc and Tab

The Attempt at a Solution


by applying Newton second law on each block and then by projection on xx axis, we get:
On A:
F-Tab=m*a----(1)
On B:
Tab-Tbc=m*a----(2)
On C:
Tbc=m*a----(3)

(1)+(2)+(3) \RightarrowF=3*m*a
F=7.2N

And then from (3) we have Tbc=m*a=0.6*4
Tbc=2.4N
From (1) we get -Tab=(m*a)-F
-Tab= (0.6*4)-7.2
Tab=4.8N
 

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looks good! You can check your work by drawing FBD's of blocks A and B together, and B and C together, to see if your values check out..
 
what is FBD
 
Free Body Diagram. In this diagram, all the forces acting on the body are shown
 
This one ?
 

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Yeah that is an FBD
 
I noticed that Tab is greater than Tbc
maybe this is always the case ?
also ..how to check?
i noticed that F=Tab+Tbc..maybe it's a coincidence?
 
chawki said:
I noticed that Tab is greater than Tbc
maybe this is always the case ?
also ..how to check?
i noticed that F=Tab+Tbc..maybe it's a coincidence?
Tab is greater than Tbc because it has to accelerate 2 masses whereas Tbc just accelerates one. Tab + Tbc = F in this case because the masses are equal..this is not generally the case. The knowledge of how to draw good FBD's is an essential to mastering Physics (along with mastering the plus and minus sign :wink:). To check your work, you can draw a FBD of the last 2 blocks together, where the net external force acting, Tab, must equal Ma, where M is the mass of the 2 blocks (1.2) and a = 4. Thus Tab = 4.8, which checks your earlier result. Try it also by drawing a FBD of the first 2 blocks.
 
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