JEE Main Physics question
Three blocks of masses m₁, m₂ and m₃ are placed on a horizontal frictionless surface and connected in series by light strings. A force of 40 N pulls the system (applied to the outermost block, m₃, farthest from m₁). Calculate the value of the tension T in the string between m₁ and m₂, if m₁ = 10 kg, m₂ = 6 kg, m₃ = 4 kg
Answer: (B)
Solution
Common acceleration a = F/(m₁+m₂+m₃) = 40/20 = 2 ms⁻². For block m₁ alone: T = m₁a = 10×2 = 20 N.