What Factors Affect the Tension on Cord C Before a Mass Hits the Ground?

[bhannubhakta]

this is the image

how do i find tension on cord C before one mass hits the ground?

i got the acceleration =(3.2-1.2/3.2+1.2)9.8 = 4.6
now is the tension sum of their masses times acceleration?

 

[LowlyPion]

this is the image

how do i find tension on cord C before one mass hits the ground?

i got the acceleration =(3.2-1.2/3.2+1.2)9.8 = 4.6
now is the tension sum of their masses times acceleration?

Yes, but what is that?

Isn't it the difference in their weight that you used to calculate the acceleration in the first place?