Question

The masses of 10 kg and 20 kg, respectively, are connected by massless spring as shown in the figure. A force of 200 N acts on the 20 kg mass. At the instant shown, the 10 kg mass has acceleration of 12 m/s². What is the acceleration of 20 kg mass?

(g = 10 m/s²)

 

Options

• 12 m/s²

• 4 m/s²

• 10 m/s²

• zero

Answer 1

4 m/s²

Explanation:

200 - T₁ = 20 a₁ .............(i)

T₁ = 10 a₂

= 120 (given a₂ = 12 m/s²)

200 - 120 = 20 a₁

80 = 20 a₁

a₁ = 4 m/s²