Two masses, m1 and m2, are connected to each other as shown above. Mass m1 slides without friction on the table surface. Both masses have acceleration of magnitude a as shown.How does the tension in the string compare to the weight, m2g, of mass m2?Group of answer choicesThe tension is smaller than m2g.The tension is larger than m2g.It depends on m1 being larger than m2.The tension is equal to m2g.It depends on m1 being smaller than m2.
Question
Two masses, m1 and m2, are connected to each other as shown above. Mass m1 slides without friction on the table surface. Both masses have acceleration of magnitude a as shown.How does the tension in the string compare to the weight, m2g, of mass m2?Group of answer choicesThe tension is smaller than m2g.The tension is larger than m2g.It depends on m1 being larger than m2.The tension is equal to m2g.It depends on m1 being smaller than m2.
Solution 1
The tension is larger than m2g. This is because the tension in the string must not only support the weight of m2 (m2g), but also provide the force necessary to accelerate both masses (m1 and m2). Therefore, the tension is greater than the weight of m2 alone.
Solution 2
The tension is larger than m2g.
Here's why:
The forces acting on m2 are its weight (m2g, acting downwards) and the tension in the string (T, acting upwards). Since m2 is accelerating upwards, the net force acting on it must also be upwards. This means that the tension must be greater than the weight of m2, or T > m2g.
Therefore, the tension in the string is larger than the weight of mass m2.
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