Two masses are being pulled up a frictionless 30.0 degree incline by a force F parallel to the incline. The acceleration up the incline is 1.00 m/s². The force is applied to a 200 kg mass and a string connects the 200 kg mass to a 150 kg mass. The force F is A) 875 N. B) 980 N. C) 1,140 N. D) 1,720 N. E) 2,070 N.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The total force required to accelerate both masses up the incline is the sum of the force needed to overcome gravity and the force needed to provide the acceleration. The gravitational force component along the incline is (m1 + m2) * g * sin(30), and the force for acceleration is (m1 + m2) * a. Calculating these gives F = (200 kg + 150 kg) * 9.8 m/s² * 0.5 + (200 kg + 150 kg) * 1 m/s² = 2,070 N.

Two Masses Are Being Pulled Up a Frictionless 30