Question
Question: Two masses \({{m}_{1}}\) and \({{m}_{2}}\) are connected by a massless string. Find the value of ten...
Two masses m1 and m2 are connected by a massless string. Find the value of tension in the string if a force of 200 N is applied
Solution
Tension is defined in physics as the pulling force transmitted axially by a string, cable, chain, or other one-dimensional continuous component, or by each end of a rod, truss member, or other three-dimensional object; tension may also be defined as the action-reaction pair of forces acting at each end of said elements. Tension can be thought of as the polar opposite of compression.
Complete step by step solution:
In this question we need to find the value of Tension (T), and we have been given that
Mass of Block m1= 80 Kg
Mass of Block m2 = 150 Kg
Force Applied (F) = 200 N
Now, we know that force is given by the formula
F = m.a
But in this question, we have two masses, therefore, force will be written as
F = (m1+ m2) a
Where “a” is the acceleration
Now, putting the values of both the masses and the force applied we can find the acceleration
200 N = (80+150) a
On solving this, we get
a=1.15 ms−2
Now, as we can see in the figure that the string is attached in between mass m1 and m2. Also the applied force is in the left direction, therefore the tension will be only due to the mass m2
So, we can write
Tension (T) = m2(a)
Putting the values, we get
Tension (T) = (150) (1.15)
Therefore, Tension (T) = 173 N
Hence, this is the required solution for this question.
Note: The force exerted by the ends of a three-dimensional, continuous object, such as a rod or truss member, is also known as tension. Under strain, such a rod elongates. The force per cross-sectional area, rather than the force alone, determines the amount of elongation and the load that will cause failure.