Question about tension? Please help! (1 Viewer)

[timeslowsdown]

Hey guys this is a bridging course question. Please see attached image.

Three identical blocks are arranged on a horizontal, frictionless surface, as shown in image. Each block has a mass of 1kg. The blocks move under the action of an applied force (F), such that the acceleration is 5m/s. Calculate the tensions in the cords, T12 and T23 and the magnitude of the applied force.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Kurosaki]

I think that the applied force is 15Newtons

 

[Fizzy_Cyst]

Yep, Applied force is 15N. Fnet = ma (3kg mass x 5ms^-2) = 15N Left
T12. The tension in the rope is causing 2 x 1kg blocks to accelerate at 5ms^-2, therefore Tension = 2 x 5 = 10N, likewise, T23 - tension is causing 1 x 1kg block to accelerate at 5ms^-2, therefore Tension is 1 x 5 = 5N

 

[timeslowsdown]

Thanks Fizzy_Cyst

 

[Fizzy_Cyst]

No probs Does it make sense?