Problem 5-62 F, accel., and tension - A

Two blocks are connected by a string passing over a pulley. Neglect friction and the rotation of the pulley. If the masses are $m_1 = 3.7\;kg$ and $m_2 = 2.7\; kg,$ determine the magnitudes of:

(a) the acceleration of the blocks

(b) the tension in the string.

[Ans. (a) $5.7 \;m/s^2$ (b) $15\; N$]

Correct!

The accelerations are equal: $a_1 = a_2 = a$

The force that accelerates $m_2$ is:

(A)   $T\; \text{(the tension in the string)}$

(B)   $m_2g \; \text{(the weight of}\; m_2)$