Question

Two rectangular blocks of masses 40 kg and 60 kg are connected by a string on a frictionless table. A force of 1000 N is applied on the 60 kg block away from the 40 kg block. Find the tension in the string.

• A. 450 N
• B. 400 N
• C. 350 N
• D. 500 N

Hint:

Use \( T = ma \) on the smaller block once net acceleration is known.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Total mass \( M = 40 + 60 = 100 \) kg.
Total acceleration \( a = \frac{F}{M} = \frac{1000}{100} = 10 \, \text{m/s}^2 \)
Now apply Newton’s second law to 40 kg block: \[ T = m \cdot a = 40 \cdot 10 = 400 \, \text{N} \]