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

#### lennyp

1. 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?

2. Homework Equations
F=ma
W=mg

3. The Attempt at a Solution
Can someone atleast point me in the right direction?

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#### PhanthomJay

Homework Helper
Gold Member
1. 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?

2. Homework Equations
F=ma
W=mg

3. 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

Re: Acceleration

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

#### cupid.callin

Re: Acceleration

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!!!