Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
A block lies on a smooth table. A light string joins it, over a smooth pulley at the edge, to a hanging block. They are let go from rest. Taking , find
Bodies joined by a light, taut string (or pushing on each other) move with the same acceleration. First treat the whole system: . Then take one body alone to find the force between them.
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Given. on the table, hanging, .
Plan. System first for , then the table block alone for .
Step 1. Acceleration. The driving force is , moving : .
Step 2. Tension. .
Step 3. Speed. .
Answer: (a) . (b) . (c) .
Check. The hanging block: , and . It agrees.
Watch out. The tension is less than the hanging weight, , because the hanging block is speeding up downward.
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