Question

Calculate the tension in the string shown in figure (5−E13). The pulley and the string are light and all the surfaces are frictionless. Take g = 10 m/s².

Figure

Answer 1

The free-body diagrams for both the bodies are shown below:

T + ma =mg ...(i)
and T = ma ...(ii)

From equations (i) and (ii), we get:
ma + ma = mg
⇒ 2ma = g
$\Rightarrow a=\frac{g}{2}=\frac{10}{5}=5\mathrm{m}/{\mathrm{s}}^2$
From equation (ii),
T = ma = 5 N