What is the acceleration of the mass along the table?

[lennyp]

Homework Statement

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?

Homework Equations

F=ma
W=mg

The Attempt at a Solution

Can someone atleast point me in the right direction?

 

[PhanthomJay]

Homework Statement

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?

Homework Equations

F=ma
W=mg

The Attempt at a Solution

Can someone atleast point me in the right direction?

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.

 

[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?

 

[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.

 

[science_girl]

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

 

[cupid.callin]

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?

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!