# What is the acceleration of the mass along the table?

1. Jan 4, 2007

### lennyp

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A 10.0 kg mass, m1, on a frictionless table is accelerated by a 5.0 kg mass, m2, hanging over the edge of the table. What is the acceleration of the mass along the table?

2. Relevant equations
F=ma
W=mg

3. The attempt at a solution
Can someone atleast point me in the right direction?

2. Jan 4, 2007

### PhanthomJay

You need to draw a free body diagram of each mass, and note that the tension in the cord between the 2 masses have the same magnitude of pull on each mass, and that each mass must have the same magnitude of acceleration. You'll have to solve 2 equations with 2 unknowns and use newton's second law. Please show some of your work so we can assist further.

3. Jan 4, 2007

### lennyp

since there is no friction will it move at the same speed as the 5 kg object and since the 5 kg object is hanging its moving at 9.8 m/s squared?

4. Jan 4, 2007

### tim_lou

no... consider the two objects as a whole system. what is the total net force and total mass?
then from there and:
$$F_{\text{net}}=M_{\text{total}}a$$
you will find the acceleration.

5. Jan 21, 2011

### science_girl

Re: Acceleration

Fg=mg=5kgx9.8m/s^2
and F=mg=ma so a=f:10kg

6. Jan 21, 2011

### cupid.callin

Re: Acceleration

Even if there was friction, both will move with same speed. And 9.8 m/s2 is just acceleration die to gravity, you forgot to include tension!!!