Dynamics and connected particles

What you'll learn

1. 1

   Imagine two train carriages connected by a chain. When the engine pulls, both move together — that's connected particles!

2. 2

   Two blocks (A and B) are connected by a light string on a frictionless table. A force of 12 N pulls A. Drag the blocks to see how they move together.

3. 3

   Two particles (A = 2 kg, B = 3 kg) are connected by a light string. A force of 20 N pulls A. Find the acceleration.

4. 4

   Two connected particles have total mass 8 kg. A force of 40 N pulls the system. What is the acceleration?

5. 5

   Now find the tension in the string connecting the two blocks. Use the acceleration you just found (5 m/s²) and consider only one block.

6. 6

   Using the acceleration from before (5 m/s²), find the tension in the string if the back block has mass 3 kg.

7. 7

   Two connected particles (2 kg and 4 kg) accelerate at 3 m/s². What is the tension in the string pulling the 4 kg block?