Connected particles

Simple connections

When two particles are connected by a light inextensible string passing over a smooth pulley and
allowed to move freely, then as long as the string is tout, the following must be observed.

- acceleration of the particles is the same

- tension in the uninterrupted string is constant
- tensions in interrupted strings are different.

Example 1

Two particles of masses 5kg and 3kg are connected by a light inextensible string passing over a
smooth fixed pulley. Find

(a) acceleration of the particle

(b) the tension in the string
(i) and (ii)
2g = 8a
2 𝑥 9.8
a= = 2.45ms-2
8
(ii) tension in the string
T -3g = 3a
T = 3 x 2.45 + 3 x 9.8 = 36.78N
(iii) Force on the pulley
For 5kg mass: 5g – T = 5a …. (i)
R = 2T = 3 x 36.78 = 73.56N
For 3kg mass: T – 3g = 3a …. (ii)

Example 2

An inextensible string attached to two scale A and B each of weight 20g passes over a smooth fixed
pulley. Particles of weight 3.8N and 5.8N are placed in pans A and B respectively. If the system s
released from rest (take g = 10ms-2). Find the

(a) Tension in the string

(b) Reaction of the scale pan holding the 3.8N weight

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 For 6N: 6 – T = 0.6a …….. (i)

For 4N: T – 4 = 0.4a …….. (i)

Adding (i) and (ii)

a = 2ms-2

T = 4 + 0.4 x 2 = 4.8N
20
Weight of the scale pan = 𝑥 10 = 0.2𝑁 For scale pan A R2 – 3.8 = 0.38a
1000

Total weight of A = 3.8 + 0.2 = 4N R2 = 3.8 + 2 x 0.38 x 2 = 4.56N

Total weight of B = 5.8 + 0.2 = 6N

Example 3

A mass of 9kg resting on a smooth horizontal table is connected by a light inextensible string passing
over a smooth pulley at the edge of the table to the pulley is a 7kg mass hanging freely 1.5m above
the ground. Find

(a) common acceleration

(b) tension in the string
(c) force on the pulley when the system is allowed to move freely
(d) time taken for the 7kg mass to hit the ground

(b) Tension: T = 9a = 9 x 4.29 = 38.61N

(c) The force on the pulley, F:

F = ma
F =√𝑇 2 + 𝑇 2 = 𝑇√2 = 38.61√2 = 54.603N
For 7kg mass: 7g – T = 7a
1
(d) s = ut + 𝑎𝑡 2
For 9kg mass: T = 9a 2
1
(i) + (ii): 7g = 16a 1.5 = 0 x t + 𝑥 4.29 𝑥 𝑡 2
2
7 𝑥 9.8
a= = 4.29𝑚𝑠 −2 t = 0.84s
16

Example 4

A mass of 90g resting on a rough horizontal table is connected by a light inextensible string passing
over a smooth pulley at the edge of the table attached to a 50g mass hanging freely. The coefficient
1
of friction between the 90g mass and the table is and the system is released from rest, find
3

(a) common acceleration (b) the tension in the string

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 1
T- 𝑥 0.09 𝑥 9.8 = 0.09a …. (ii)
3
1
(i) + (ii): 0.05g - 𝑥 0.09 𝑥 9.8 = 0.14a
3
0.02𝑔
a= = 1.4ms-2
0.14

(b) 0.05g – T = 0.05a

For 50g mass: 0.05g – T = 0.05a ….(i)
T = 0.05 x 9.8 – 0.05 x 1.4 = 0.42N
For 90g mass: T – μR = 0.09a

Example 5

The figure shows a block of mass 20kg resting on a smooth horizontal table. It is connected by light
inextensible string which pass over fixed pulleys at the edges of the table to two loads of masses 8kg
and 16kg which hang freely vertically. When the system is released freely calculate:

(a) Acceleration of 16kg mass

(b) tension in the string
(c) reaction on each pulley

(b) Tension in the string

16g – T1 = 16a

T1 = 16 x 9.8 – 16 x 1.782 = 128.288N

T2 – 8g = 8a

T2 = 8 x 9.8 + 8 x 1.782 = 92.656N

For 16kg mass: 16g – T1 = 16a …… (i)
(c) Reaction on each pulley
For 20kg mass: T1 – T2 = 20a ……. (ii)

For 8kg mass: T2 – 8g = 8a ……… (iii) R1 = √𝑇1 2 + 𝑇1 2 = T1√2 = √2 x 128.288 =181.427N

(i) + (ii) + (iii): 8g = 44a

R2 = √𝑇2 2 + 𝑇2 2 = T2√2 = √2 x 92.626 = 131 N
8 𝑥 9.8 −2
a= = 1.782𝑚𝑠
44

Example 6

The figure shows a block of mass 20kg resting on a rough horizontal table of coefficient of friction
0.21. It is connected by light inextensible string which pass over fixed pulleys at the edges of the

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table to two loads of masses 8kg and 16kg which hang freely vertically. When the system is released
freely calculate:

(a) acceleration of the 16kg mass

(b) Tension in each string
(c) reaction on each pulley

Solution

(b) Tension in the string

16g – T1 = 16a

T1 = 16 x 9.8 – 16 x 0.846 = 143.264N

T2 – 8g = 8a

T2 = 8 x 9.8 + 8 x 0.846 = 85.168N

For 16kg mass: 16g – T1 = 16a …… (i)
(c) Reaction on each pulley
For 20kg mass: T1 – T2 – 20gμ = 20a ……. (ii)
R1 = √𝑇1 2 + 𝑇1 2 = T1√2 = 2 x 128.291 =202.606N
For 8kg mass: T2 – 8g = 8a ……… (iii)

(i) + (ii) + (iii): 8g – 20gμ = 44a

R2 = √𝑇2 2 + 𝑇2 2 = T2√2 = √2 x 85.168 = 120.446N
8 𝑥 9.8−20 𝑥 9.8 𝑥 0.21
a= = 0.846𝑚𝑠 −2
44

Revision exercise 1
1. Two particles of masses 7kg and 3kg are connected by a light inelastic string passing over a
smooth fixed pulley. Find
(a) acceleration of the particles [3.92ms-2]
(b) the tension in the string [41.16N]
(c) the force on the pulley [82.32N]
2. Two particles of masses 6kg and 2kg are connected by a light inextensible string passing over a
smooth fixed pulley. With the masses hanging vertically, the system is released from rest. Find
(a) acceleration of the particles [4.9ms-2]
(b) the tension in the string [29.4N]
(c) distance moved by the 6kg mass in the first 2s of motion [9.8m]
3. A man of mass 70kg and a bucket of bricks of mass 100kg are tied to the opposite ends of a
rope which passes over a frictionless pulley so that they hang vertically downwards.
(a) what is the tension in the section of the rope supporting the man [807.06N]
(b) what is the acceleration of the bucket [1.73ms-2]
4. Two particles of masses 200g and 300g are connected to a light inelastic string passing over a
smooth pulley; when released freely find
(i) common acceleration [1.96ms-2]
(ii) the tension in the string [2.352N]
(iii) the force on the pulley [ 4.704N]

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5. The diagram below shows a particles of mass 8kg connected to a light scale pan by a light
inextensible string which passes over a smooth fixed pulley. The scale pan holds two blocks A
and B of mass 3kg and 4kg, with B resting on top of A. If the system is released from rest find
(a) acceleration of the system [0.653ms-2]
(b) the reaction between A and B[41.813N]
6. A mass of 5kg is placed on a smooth horizontal table and connected by a light string to a 3kg
mass passing over a smooth pulley at the edge of the table and hanging freely. If the system is
allowed to move, calculate
(a) the common acceleration of the masses [3.675ms-2]
(b) the tension in the string [18.375N]
(c) the force acting on the pulley[26N]
7. A mass of 3kg on a smooth horizontal table is attached by a light inextensible sting passing over
a smooth pulley at the edge of the table, to another mass of 2kg hanging freely 2.1m above the
ground; find
(a) common acceleration[3.92ms-2]
(b) the tension in the string [11.76N]
(c) The force on the pulley in the system if it’s allowed to move freely. [16.63N]
(d) the velocity with which the 2kg mass hits the ground [4.06ms-1]
8. A mass of 5kg rests on a rough horizontal table and is connected by a light inextensible string
passing over a smooth pulley at the edge of the table to a 3kg mass hanging freely. the
coefficient of friction between the 5kg mass and the table is 0.25 and the system is released
from rest find
(a) common acceleration[2.144ms-2]
(b) tension in the string [22.97N]
9. A mass of 11kg rests on a rough horizontal table and is connected by a light inextensible string
passing over a smooth pulley at the edge of the table to 500g mass hanging freely. The
coefficient of friction between the 1kg mass and the table is 0.1 and the system is released from
rest find
(a) common acceleration [2.61ms-2]
(b) the tension in the string [3.593N]
10. The objects of mass 3kg and 5kg are attached to ends of a cord which passes over a fixed
frictionless pulley placed at 4.5m above the floor. The objects are held at rest with 3kg mass
touching the floor and the 5kg mass at 4m above the floor and then release, what is
(a) the acceleration of the system[2.45ms-2]
(b) tension in the chord[36.75N]
(c) the time that will elapse before the 5kg object hits the floor [1.81s]
11.

The diagram shows a particle A of mass 2kg resting on a rough horizontal table of coefficient of
friction 0.5. It is attached to the particle B of mass 5kg and C of mass 3kgby light inextensible
strings hanging over smooth pulleys. If the system is released from rest find the
(a) common acceleration [0.98ms-2]
(b) the tension of each string [12.37N, 44.15N]

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12.

The diagram shows a particle A of mass 3kg resting on a rough horizontal table of coefficient of
friction 0.5. It is attached to the particle B of mass 4kg and C of mass 6kgby light inextensible
strings hanging over smooth pulleys. If the system is released from rest find the
(a) common acceleration [0.75ms-2]
(b) the tension of each string [54.277N, 31.662N]

13.

The diagram shows a particle A of mass 5kg resting on a rough horizontal table of coefficient of
friction 0.5. It is attached to the particle B of mass 3kg and C of mass 2kgby light inextensible
strings hanging over smooth pulleys. If the system is released from rest body B descend with an
acceleration of 0.28ms-2, find the coefficient of friction between the body A and the surface of
the table. [0.143]

14.

The diagram shows a particle A of mass 10kg resting on a smooth horizontal table. It is attached
to the particle B of mass 4kg and C of mass 7kgby light inextensible strings hanging over smooth
pulleys. If the system is released from rest find the
(c) common acceleration [1.4ms-2]
(d) the tension of each string [44.8N, 58.8N]

Connected particles on inclined planes

Example 7

A mass of 2kg lies on a smooth plane of inclination 1 in3. One end of a light inextensible sting is
attached to this mass and the string passes up the line of greatest slope over a smooth pulley fixed
at the top of the plane is freely suspended mass of 1kg at its end. If the system is released from rest ,
find the

(i) acceleration of the masses

(ii) tension in the string
(iii) distance each particle travels in the first 2s.

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 (ii) + (i): = 1g – 2gsinθ = 3a
1
9.8−2 𝑥 9.8 𝑥
3
a= = 1.089ms-2
3

(ii) Tension: 1g – T = 1a

T = 9.8 – 1.089 = 8.71N

1
sinθ = F =ma 1
3 (iii) s = ut + 𝑎𝑡 2
2
For 2kg mass: T – 2gsinθ = 2a….. (i) 1
s = 0 x 2 + 𝑥 1.089 𝑥 22 = 2.178𝑚
2
For 1kg mass: 1g – T = 1a ……….. (ii)

Example 8

A mass of 12kg lies over a smooth incline plane 6m long and 1m high. One end of a light inextensible
string is attached to this mass and the string passes up the line of greatest slope over a smooth
pulley fixed at the top of the plane to freely suspended mass of 4kg at its other end. If the system is
released from rest, find the

(a) acceleration of the system

(b) velocity with which the 4kg mass hits the ground
(c) time the 4kg mass takes to hit the ground.

Solution
(ii) + (i): = 4g – 12gsinθ = 16a
1
4 𝑥9.8−12 𝑥 9.8 𝑥
6
a= = 1.225ms-2
16

(ii) Tension: 4g – T = 4a

T = 4 x 9.8 – 4 x 1.225 = 34.3N

1
sinθ =
1
F =ma (iii) s = ut + 𝑎𝑡 2
6 2
1
For 12kg mass: T – 12gsinθ = 2a….. (i) 1 = 0 x t + 𝑥 1.225 𝑥 𝑡 2
2

For 4kg mass: 4g – T = 4a ……….. (ii) t = 1.28s

Example 9

A mass of 1kg lies on a rough plane with coefficient of friction 0.25. One end of a light inextensible
string is attached to 1kgmass and passes up the line of greatest slope over a smooth fixed pulley at
the top of the plane and the other end of a string is tied to a mass of 4kg hanging freely.

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 3
The plane makes an angle θ with the horizontal where sinθ = . When the system is released from
5
rest, find:

(i) the acceleration of the system

(ii) tension in the string
(iii) velocity with which the 4kg mass hits the floor
(iv) velocity with which the 1kg mass hits the pulley

Solution

(iii) v2 = u2+ 2as but u = 0

v = √2 𝑥 6.272 𝑥 2.5 = 5.6ms-1

(iv) When a 4kg mass hits the floor, the

1kg mass has still to move 4 – 2.5 = 1.5m
before hitting the pulley It will
3 4 experience a retarding force due to
sinθ = ; cosθ = F =ma gravity and friction
5 5

For 12kg mass: T – 1gsinθ- 0.25R = 1a….. (i) F = 1a = 1gsinθ + 0.25R

For 4kg mass: 4g – T = 4a ……….. (ii) 3 4
=(1 𝑥 9.8 𝑥 + 0.25 𝑥 1 𝑥 9.8 𝑥 )
5 5
(ii) + (i): = 4g – 1gsinθ - 0.25R = 5a
a = - 7.84ms-2
3 4
4 𝑥9.8−1 𝑥 9.8 𝑥 −0.25 𝑥 1 𝑥 9.8 𝑥
a= 5 5
=6.272ms-2 v2 = u2+ 2as
5

(ii) Tension: 4g – T = 4a v = √5.62 − 2 𝑥 7.84 𝑥 1.5 =2.8ms-1

T = 4 x 9.8 – 4 x 6.272 = 14 .112N

Example 10

A particle of mass 2kg on a rough plane inclined at 300 to the horizontal is attached by means of
light inextensible string passing over a smooth pulley at the top edge of the plane to a particle of
mass 3kg which hangs freely. If the system is released from rest with above parts of the strings taut,
the 3kg mass travels a distance of 0.75m before attains a speed of 2.25ms-1. Calculate

(a) acceleration
(b) coefficient of friction between the plane and 2kgmass
(c) reaction of the pulley on the string

Solution

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 (iii)

Tension: 3g – T = 3a

T = 3 x 9.8 – 3 x 3.375 = 19.275N

(i) v2 = u2 + 2as
2.252 −02
a= = 3.375ms-2
2 𝑥 0.75

(ii) F = ma
Using parallelogram law of force
For 2kg mass: T – 2gsinθ- 𝜇R = 2x a ….. (i)
R2 = T2 +T2 + 2 x T cos60 = 3T2
For 4kg mass: 3g – T = 3 a ……….. (ii)

(ii) + (i): 3g – 2gsinθ – μ(2gcosθ) = 5a R = 19.275√3 = 33.4N

(3 𝑥 9.8)−(2 𝑥 9.8𝑠𝑖𝑛30+5 𝑥 3.375)

𝜇= = 0.161
2 𝑥 9.8 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠30

Double inclined plane

Example 11

The diagram below shows two smooth fixed slopes each inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal
where sinθ = 0.6. Two particles of mass 3kg and mkg, where m< 3kg are connected by a light
inextensible string passing over a smooth fixed pulley.

The particles are released from rest with a string taut. After travelling a distance of 1.08m, the speed
of the particle is 1.8ms-1. Calculate

(i) acceleration 1.82 = 02 + 2 x a x 1.08

(ii) tension in the string
(iii) value of m a = 1.5ms-2

(ii) F = ma

For 3kg mass: 3gsinθ – T = 3a

T = 3 x 9.8x 0.6 – 3 x 1.5 = 13.14N

(iii) For mkg mass; T – mgsinθ = ma

13.14 = m(9.8 + 1.5); m = 1.78kg

(i) v2 = u2 +2as

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Example 12

Two rough planes inclined at 300 and 600 to the horizontal and of the same height are placed back
to back. Masses of 4kg and 12 kg are placed on the faces and connected by a light string passing over
smooth pulley on the top of the planes.

If the coefficient of friction is 0.5 on both faces, find

(a) acceleration
(b) Tension in the strings

Solution

(b) For 4kgmass

T -4gsin30 – 0.5 x 4gcos30 = 4a

T = 4gsin30 + 0.5 x 4gcos30 + 4x2.25

T = 45.54

For 4kg mass: T -4gsin30 – 0.5 x 4gcos30 = 4a ……………. (i)

For 12kg mass: 12gsin60 –T – 0.5 x 12gcos 60 = 12a ….. (ii)

(i) + (ii)

12gsin60 – 4gsin30 - 0.5(4gcos30 + 12gcos 60) = 16a

a = 2.25ms-2

Example 13

1. The diagram below shows a 12kg mass on a horizontal rough plane. The 6kg and 4kg masses
are on rough planes inclined at angles 600 and 300 respectively. The masses are connected
to each other by light inextensible strings over light smooth pulleys A and B.

1
The planes are equally rough with coefficient of friction . If the system is released from rest
12
find the;
(a) Acceleration of the system (08marks)

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 For 6kg mass
1
6gsin60-(T1 + 𝑥 6𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠60) = 6𝑎
12
1
6gsin60 – T1 - 𝑐𝑜𝑠60 = 6𝑎 ………………………… (i)
2

For 4kg mass

1
T2 – ( 𝑥 4𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠30 + 4𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛30) = 4𝑎
12
1
T2 - 𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠30 − 4𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛30 = 4a ………………….. (ii)
3

For 12kg mass

1
T1 – (T2 + 𝑅3 ) = 12a
12
1
T1 – (T2 + 𝑥 12𝑔) = 12a
12

T1 –T2 - g = 12a……………………………………….. (iii)

Eqn. (i) + Eqn. (ii) + Eqn. (iii)

1 1
6gsin60 - 𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠60 − 𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠30 − 4𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛 30 − 𝑔 = 22𝑎
2 3

16.24327742 = 22a
16.24327742
a= = 0.73833𝑚𝑠 −2
22

(b) Tensions in the strings. (04marks)

From equation (i)
1
𝑇1 = 6𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛60 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠60 − 6𝑎
2
1
= 6𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛60 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠60 − 6 𝑥 0.73833
2
= 44.0423N
From eqn. (ii)
1
T2 = 𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠30 + 4𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛30 + 4𝑎
3
1
= 𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠30 + 4𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛30 + 4 𝑥 0.73833
3
= 25.3823N

Revision exercise 2
1. A mass of 2kg lies on a smooth inclined plane 9m long and 3m high. One end of a light
inextensible string is attached to this mass and the string passes up the line of greatest slope

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 over a smooth pulley fixed at the top of the plane is freely suspended mass of 1kg at its other
end. If the system is released from rest, find
(i) acceleration of the system[1.089ms-2]
(ii) tension in the string. [8.711N]
(iii) velocity with which the 1kg mass will hit the ground[2.556ms-1]
(iv) time the 1kg mass will hit the ground[2.347s]
2. A mass of 15kg lies on a smooth plane of inclination in 49. One end of a light inextensible string is
attached to this mass and the string passes up a line of greatest slope, over a smooth pulley fixed
at the top of the plane is freely suspended mass of 10kg at its other end. If the system is released
from rest, find the acceleration of the masses and the distance each travel in the first 2s.
[3.8ms-2, 7.6m]
3. A mass of 2kg lies on a rough plane which is inclined at 300 to the horizontal. One end of a light
inextensible string is attached to this mass and the string passes up a line of greatest slope, over a
smooth pulley fixed at the top of the plane is freely suspended mass of 5kg at its other end. The
system is released from rest as the 2kg mass accelerates up the slope, it experiences a constant
resistance to motion of 14N down the slope due to friction. Find the tension of the string. [31N]
4. A mass of 10kg lies on a smooth plane which is inclined at θ to the horizontal. The mass is 5m
from the top, measured along the plane. One end of a light inextensible string is attached to this
mass and the string passes up a line of greatest slope, over a smooth pulley fixed at the top of the
plane is freely suspended mass of 15kg at its other end. The 15kg mass is 4m above the floor. The
3
system is released from rest and the string first goes slack 1 𝑠 latter. Find the value of θ. [300]
7
1
5. One of two identical masses lies on a smooth plane, which is inclines at sin−1 ( ) to the
4
horizontal and is 2m from the top. A light inextensible string attached to this mass passes along
the line of greatest slope over a smooth pulley fixed at the top of the incline, the other end
carries the other mass hanging freely 1m above the floor. If the system is released from rest, find
the time taken for the hanging mass to reach the floor. [0.663s]
6. A particle of mass 2kg on a smooth plane inclined at 300 to the horizontal is attached by means
of a light inextensible string passing over a smooth pulley at the edge of the plane to a particle of
mass 4kg which hangs freely.

If the system is released from rest with above parts of the string taut, find the speed acquired by
the particles when both have moved a distance of 1m [2.8ms-1}
7. A body A of mass 13kg lying on a rough inclined plane, coefficient of friction, μ. From A, a light
inextensible string passes up the line of greatest slope and over a smooth fixed pulley to a body B
5
of mass mkg hanging freely, the plane makes an angle θ with the horizontal where sinθ = .
13

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 When m = 1kgand the system is released from rest, B has upward acceleration of a ms-2. When m
= 11kg and the system released from rest, B has downward acceleration of ams-2. Find a and μ.
[1.96ms-2, 0.1]
8. A particle A of mass 2kg and B of mass 1.5kg are connected by light inextensible string passing
over a smooth pulley. The system is released from rest with A at height of 3.6m above the
horizontal ground and B at the foot of a smooth slope inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal
1
where sinθ = . Take g = 10ms-2.
6

Calculate

(i) the magnitude of the acceleration of particles [6ms-1]

(ii) the speed with which A reaches the ground[5ms-2]
(iii) the distance B moves up the slope before coming to instantaneous rest. [14.4m]

9. A mass A of 4kg and a mass B of 3kg are connected by a light inextensible string passing over a
smooth pulley. The system is released from rest and mass accelerates up along a smooth slope
inclined at an angle θ to horizontal where θ = 300.

If y = 3m and x = 2.8m, calculate the velocity with which A hits the pulley [2.42ms-1]
10. The diagram below shows particles A, B and C of masses 10kg, 8kg and 2kg respectively
connected by a light inextensible strings. The string connecting B and C passes over a smooth
light pulley fixed at the top of the plane.

If the coefficient of friction between the plane and particles A and B are 0.22 and 0.25
respectively, calculate
(i) acceleration of the system [1.6477ms-2]
(ii) tension in the strings[22.89N, 13.851N]
11. The diagram below shows two smooth fixed slopes each inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal
3
where sinθ = . Two particles of mass 5kg and 15kg are connected by a light inextensible string
5
over a smooth fixed pulley.

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The particles are releases from rest with a string taut calculate

(i) Acceleration of the particles

(ii) Tension in the string
12. The diagram below shows two smooth plane and a rough plane both inclined at 450 to the
horizontal. Two particles of mass of mass 1kg and 3kg are connected by light inextensible string
passing over a smooth fixed pulley.

The particle are released from rest with a string taut. Calculate
(i) acceleration of the particle [1.4ms-2]
(ii) tension in the string [.48N
(iii) coefficient of friction [0.4]
13. Two equally rough planes inclined at 300 and 600 to the horizontal and of the same height are
placed back to back. Masses of 5kg and 2.5kg are placed on the faces and connected by a light
string passing over a smooth pulley at the top of the planes.

If the string is taut and 5kg is just about to slip downwards find the
(i) coefficient of friction[0.06]
(ii) tension in the string [21.9538N]
14. In the diagram, particle A and particle B are masses of 10kg and 8kg respectively and rest on
planes as shown below. They are connected by a light inextensible string passing over a smooth
pulley C.

Find the acceleration in the system and the tension in the string if
(i) the particles are in contact with smooth planes [3.08ms-2, 30.N]
(ii) the particles are in contact with rough planes with coefficient of friction 0.25.
[0.95ms-2, 33.98N]

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15. In the diagram particles A and B are of masses mkg and 5mkg respectively and rest on the planes
as shown below. They are connected by a light inextensible string passing over a smooth fixed
pulley at C

4
Find the acceleration of the system and the tension in the string if sinα = when;
5

(i) the particles are in contact with smooth plane[6.533ms-2, 6.533N]

1
(ii) the particles are in contact with rough plane of coefficient of friction .
3
[4.356ms-2, 7.622N]

16. In the diagram particles A and B of masses 2.4kg and 3.6kg respectively. A rests on a rough
horizontal plane (coefficient of friction 0.5), it is connected by a light inextensible string passing
over a smooth pulley C to particle B resting on smooth plane inclined at 300 to the horizontal.

When the system is released from rest find

(i) acceleration of the system and tension in the string [0.98ms-2, 14.112N]
(ii) the force on the pulley C [7.3049N]
(iii) the velocity of A mass after 2 seconds[1.96ms-2]
17. The diagram below shows a 4kg mass on a horizontal rough plane with coefficient of friction 0.25.
The 4√3𝑘𝑔 mass rests on a smooth plane inclined at angle 600 to the horizontal while the 3kg
mass rests on a rough plane inclined at an angle 300 to the horizontal and coefficient of friction
1
. the masses are connected to each other by a light inextensible strings over light smooth fixed
√3
pulleys B and C.

Find the
(i) acceleration of the system[1.407ms-2]
(ii) tension in the string [49.051N, 33.622N]
(iii) work done against frictional force when the particles each moved 0.5m [12.25J]

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Multiple connections
- Acceleration of a particle moving between to portions of the string is equal to half the net
acceleration of the particle (s) attached to the end of the string
- The tension in uninterrupted string is constant
- The tensions in interrupted strings are different.

Case I: A pulley moving between two portions of a string

Example 15

The diagram below shows particle A of mass 0.5kg attached to one end of alight inextensible string
passing over a fixed pulley and under a movable light pulley B. The other end of the string is fixed as
shown

(i) What mass should be attached at B for the

system to be in equilibrium
(ii) If B is 0.8kg what are the accelerations of
particles A and pulley B?
(iii) find the tension in the string in (ii)

Solution

(i) Let T = tension in string For the system to be in equilibrium upward forces are
equal to downward force. by resolving vertically
m = mass at B
For mass A: T= 0.5g ……… (i)

For pulley B: 2T = mg
𝑚𝑔
T= ……… (i)
2

equating (i) to (ii)

𝑚𝑔
= 0.5𝑔; m = 1kg
2

(ii) Let a1 = acceleration of A For mass A: 0.5g – T = 0.5a1……… (i)

a2 = acceleration of B For pulley B: 2T – 0.8g =0.8a2 but a2 = ½ a1

 2T – 0.8g = 0.4a1
T – 0.4g = 0.2a1 …….. (i)
9.9
(i) + (ii) a1 = = 1.4ms-2 and a2 = 0.7 ms-2
7

From eqn. (i)

T = 0.5 x 9.8 - 0.5 x 1.4 = 4.2N

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Example 16

A particle of mass 3kg on a smooth horizontal table is tied to one end of the string which passes over
a fixed pulley at the edge and then under a movable pulley of mass 5kg, its other end being fixed so
that the string beyond the table are vertical.

Find

(i) acceleration of 3kg and 5g

(ii) Tension in the string

Solution

(ii) + 2 x (i)

5x 9.8 = 17a
49
a= = 2.8824ms-2
17

Acceleration of 5kg: = 2.8824ms-2

Acceleration of 3kg: = 2.8824 x 2ms-2

F = ma = 5.7648ms-2

For 3kg: T = 3 x 2a ……… (i) T = 6a = 2.8824 x 6 = 17.2944N

For 5kg: 5g – 2T = 5a …… (ii)

Example 17

A particle of mass m1 on a smooth horizontal table is tied to one end of the string which passes over
a fixed pulley at the edge and then under a movable pulley of mass m2, its other end being fixed so
that the parts of the string beyond the table is vertical.

Show that m2 descends with

𝑚2 𝑔
acceleration
4𝑚1 +𝑚2

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Solution
F = ma

For m1 kg mass: T = m1 x 2a …… (i)

For m2 kg mass: m2g – 2T = m2a … (ii)

(ii) + 2 x (i)

m2g = 4m1a + m2a

𝑚2 𝑔
a=
4𝑚1 +𝑚2

Example 18

A string has a load of mass 2kg attached at one end. The string passes over a smooth fixed pulley
then under a movable pulley of mass 6kg and over another fixed pulley and has a load of mass 3kg
attached to its end.

Find the acceleration of the movable pulley

and the tension in the string

Solution

3 x (iv)- (v): 3g = -9a1

−𝑔
a1 = = -3.267ms-2
3

From (v): 0 = 9a2 + 3a1

0 = 9a2 + 3(-3.267)

a2 = 1.089ms-2
1
Acceleration of pulley = (𝑎1 + 𝑎2 )
2
For 2kg mass: 2g – T = 2a1 …………………..… (i) 1
= (−3.267 + 1.089)
2
For 3kg mass: 3g – T = 3a2 …………………….. (ii)
= -1.089ms-2
1
For 6kg mass: 2T – 6g = 6 𝑥 (𝑎1 + 𝑎2 )…. (iii)
2 Tension: T = 2g – 2a1
(ii) – (i): g = (3a2 – 2a1) ……………………………. (iv) T = 2 x 9.8 – 2 x -3.267 = 26.134N
2 x (ii) + (iii): 0 = 9a2 + 3a1 …………………….. (v)

Example 19

In the pulley system below, A is a heavy pulley which is free to move

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 Find the mass of pulley A if it does not move upwards
of downwards when the system is released from rest.

Solution
a1 = -a2

6g – T = -6a2 ……….. (iv)

3g – T = 3a2 …………. (v)

(iv) – (v)

3g = 9a2
−𝑔
a2 = = −3.267𝑚𝑠 −2
3

3g – T =3a2

For 2kg mass: 6g – T = 6a1 …………………..… (i) T = 3 x 9.8 – 3(-3.267) = 39.201

For 3kg mass: 3g – T = 3a2 …………………….. (ii) 2T – mg = 0

2 𝑥 39.201
For mkg mass: 2T – mg = 0……………………… (iii) m= = 8kg
9.8

Case 2: A pulley moving on one portion of a string

Example 20

The diagram below shows two pulley to pulleys of masses 8kg and 12kg connected by a light
inextensible string hanging over a fixed pulley.

The hanging portions of the strings are vertical. Given that the string of the fixed pulley remains
stationary, find the

(i) tensions in the string

(ii) value of m

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Solution.

3 𝑥 9.8
a2 = = 3.2667ms-2
9

eqn. (i): T2 – 3g = 3a2

T2 = 3 x 9.8+ 3 x 3.2667 = 39.2001N

eqn. (vi): 2T2 + 12g = T

T = 2 x 39.2001 + 12 x 9.8 = 196.0002N

eqn. (v): 2T1 + 8g = T

For 3kg mass: T2 – 3g = 3a2 …………. (i) 196.0002−8 𝑥 9.8
T1 = = 58.8001N
2
For 6kg mass: 6g - T2 = 6a2 …………. (ii)
eqn. (iii): T1 – 4g = 4a1
For 4kg mass: T1 – 4g = 4a1 …………. (iii)
58.8001−4 𝑥 9.8
a1 = = 4.9ms-2
For mkg mass: mg – T1 = ma1 ……….(iv) 4

For 8kg mass: 2T1 + 8g = T ……………. (v) eqn. mg – T1 = ma1

58.8001
For 12kg mass: 2T2 + 12g = T ……………. (vi) m= = 12kg
9.8−4.9

eqn. (i) + eqn. (ii): 3g = 3a2

Example 21

The diagram shows a particle of mass 2kg on a smooth plane inclined at 450 to the horizontal and
attached by means of a light inextensible string over a smooth pulley, A at the top of the plane to
pulley B of mass 0.5kg which hangs freely. Pulley B carries to particles of mass 0.5kg and 1kg on
either side

Find

(a) acceleration of 2kg, 0.5kg and 1kg mass

(b) the tension in the strings

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Solution

5.3204 = 2.5a1 + a2…………….. (vii)

eqn. (vii) – eqn. (v): 5.75a1 = 6.1612

6.1612
a1 = = 1.0715ms-2
5.75

from eqn. (v): 9.8 = 3a2 + a1

9.8−1.0715
a2 = = 2.9095ms-2
3

Acceleration of 2kg mass = 1.0715ms-2

For 2kg mass: T1 - 2gsin45 = 2a1 ……….. (i)
Acceleration of 0.5kg mass = 2.9095ms-2
For 0.5kg mass: T2 – 0.5g =(a2 – a1) …… (ii)
Acceleration of 1kg = 2.9095 + 1.0715
For 1kg mass: gN – T2 = 1(a1 + a2) ……… (iii)
= 3.981ms-2
For pulley B: 2T2 + 0.5g – T1 = 0.5a1 ……. (iv)
From eqn. (i): T1 - 2gsin45 = 2a1
eqn. (ii) + eqn (iii): 0.5g = 1.5a2 + 0.5a1
T1 = 2 x 1.0715 + 2 x 9.8sin45 =16.0023N
9.8 = 3a2 + a1 ……….. (v)
from eqn. (iv): 2T2 + 0.5g – T1 = 0.5a1
eqn. (i) + eqn. (iv): 2T2 – 2gsin45 + 0.5g =2.5a1 0.5 𝑥 1.0715 + 16.0023 – 4.9
T2 = =5.8190N
2
2T2 -8.9593 = 2.5a1 ………… (vi)

2 x eqn. (iii) + eqn. (vi): 10.6407 = 4.5a1 + 2a2

Example 22

The diagram shows a fixed pulley carrying a string which has a mass of 3kg attached at one end and
a light pulley A attached at the other end. Another string passes over pulley A and carries a mass of
6kg at one and a mass of 2kg at the other end.

Find

(a) acceleration of pulley A

(b) acceleration of 2kg, 6kg and 3kg masses
(c) tension in the string

solution
For 3kg mass: T1 - 3g = 3a1 …………….... (i)

For 6kg mass: 6g – T2 =6(a2 + a1) ……… (ii)

For 2kg mass: T2 – 2g = 2(a2 – a1) ……… (iii)

For pulley A: 2T2 – T1 = 0 x a1 ………..…. (iv)

eqn. (ii) and eqn. (iii): 4g = 8a2 + 4a1 ….. (v)

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eqn. (i) + eqn. (iv): 2T2 – 3g = 3a1…… (vi)
Acceleration of 2kg = 3.27ms-2 - 3.27ms-2 = 0
2 x eqn. (iii) - eqn. (vi)
Acceleration of 6kg = 3.27ms-2 + 3.27ms-2
-g = 4a2 – 7a1 …………………………….. (vii)
= 6.54ms-2
2eqn. (vii) – eqn. (v)
Acceleration of 3kg =3.27ms-2
-18a1 = -6g
T1 – 3g = 3a1
6 𝑥 9.8
a1 = = 3.27ms-2 T1 = 3 x 3.27 + 3 x 9.8 = 39.21N
18

4g = 8a2 + 4a1 2T2 – T1 = 0 x a1

9.8−3.27 39.21
a2 = = 3.27ms-2 T2 = = 19.61N
2 2

Acceleration of pulley A =3.27ms-2

Example 23

The diagram shows a fixed pulley carrying a string which has mass of 4kg attached at one end and a
light pulley A at the other end. Another string passes over pulley A and carries a mass of 3kg at one
end and a mass of 1kg at the other end.

Find

(a) acceleration of pulley A

(b) acceleration of 1kg, 3kg and 4kg masses
(c) tension in the string

Solution

eqn. (i) + eqn. (iv): 4g – 2T2 = 4a1 ………. (vi)

2 x eqn.(iii) + eqn. (v): 2g = 2a2 + 6a1 ….. (vii)

eqn. (vii) – eqn. (i): 7a1 = g

9.8
a1 = = 1.4ms-2
7

g = 2a2 – a1
9.8+1.4
a2 = = 5.6ms-2
2

For 4kg mass: 4g - T1= 4a1 …………….... (i) Acceleration of pulley A = 1.4ms-2

For 3kg mass: 3g – T2 =3(a2 - a1) ……… (ii) Acceleration of1kg mass = 5.6 + 1.4 = 7ms-2

For 1kg mass: T2 – g = (a2 + a1) ……… (iii) Acceleration of 3kg mass = 5.6 – 1.4 = 4.2ms-2

For pulley A: T1 –2T2= 0 x a1 ………..…. (iv) Acceleration of 4kg mass = 1.4ms-2

eqn. (ii) and eqn. (iii): g = 2a2 - a1 ….. (v) 4g – T1 = 4a1

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 33.6
T1 = 4 x 9.8 – 4 x 1.4 = 33.6N T2 = = 16.8𝑁
2

T1 – 2T2 = 0 x a1

Example 24

The diagram below shows a fixed pulley carrying a movable pulley of mass 8kg at one end and a
light pulley A attached at the other end. A string passes over pulley A and carries a mass of 4kg at
one end and a mass of 6kg at the other end.

Find

(a) acceleration of pulley A

(b) acceleration of 8kg, 6kg and 4kg masses
(c) tension in the string

Solution

7 x eqn. (v) – eqn. (vii): 14.5a2 = 14.7

14.7
a2 = = 1.0138ms-2
14.5

eqn. (v); 4.9 = 2.5a2 + a1

a1 = 4.9 – 2.5 x1.0138 = 2.3655ms-2

Acceleration of pulley = 2a1 = 2 x 2.3655

= 4.731ms-2
For 8kg mass: 2T2 - 8g = 8a1 …………….... (i) Acceleration of 6kg = 4.731 + 1.0138
For 4kg mass: T1 – 4g = 4(a2 - 2a1) ……… (ii) = 5.7448ms-2
For 6kg mass: 6g– T1= 6(2a1 + a2) ……… (iii) Acceleration of 3kg = a2 – 2a1
For pulley A: 2T1 – T2= 0 x a1 ………..…. (iv) 1.0138 – 4.731 = - 3.7172ms-2
eqn. (ii) and eqn. (iii): 2g = 10a2 + 4a1 From eqn. (i): 2T2 - 8g = 8a1
4.9 = 2.5a2 + a1 ….. (v) 8 𝑥 4.731+8 𝑥 9.8
T2 = =58.124N
2
eqn. (i) + 2 x eqn. (iv): 4T1 – 8g = 8a1…. (vi)
From eqn. (iv)
4 x eqn. (iii) + eqn. (vi): 16g = 56a1 + 24a2 𝑇2 58.124
T1 = = = 29. 062N
2 2
2g = 7a1 + 3a2 ………………………………… (vii)

Example 25

The diagram below shows two pulleys of mass 8kg and 12kg connected by a light inextensible string
hanging over a fixed pulley.

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 𝑔
The acceleration of 4kg and 12kg masses are
2
𝑔
upward and downward respectively. The
2
𝑔
acceleration of the 3kg and m masses are
3
𝑔
upwards and downwards respectively. The
3
hanging portions of the strings are vertical. Given
that the string of the fixed pulley remains
stationary, find the

(a) tensions in the strings (09marks)

Let T = tension n the string joining masses 8kg and 12kg
T1 = tension in the string joining masses 4kg and 12kg
T2 = tension in string joining masses 3kg and mkg

Resolving vertically

2T = 8g + 12g

T = 10g = 10 x 9.8 = 98N

For 4kg mass; resultant force = T1- 4g

4a1 = T1- 4g
𝑔
T1 = 4g + 4a1 = 4g + 4 x = 6g
2

= 6 x 9.8 = 58.8N

For 3kg mass; resultant force = T2- 3g

 3a2 = T2- 3g
𝑔
T2 = 3g + 3a2 = 3g + 3 x = 4g
3
Since the string of the fixed pulley remains = 4 x 9.8 = 39.2N
stationary, this means the pulleys of the 8kg
Hence the tensions in the strings are
and 12kg are stationary or fixed
98N, 58.8N and 39.2N

(b) value of m. (03marks)

For the m kg mass
Resultant force = mg –T2
ma2 = mg –T2
𝑔
m( ) = mg -4g
3
2
𝑚𝑔 = 4𝑔
3
12
𝑚= = 6𝑘𝑔
2

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Revision exercise 3
1. A string with one end fixed passes under a movable pulley of mass 2kg, over a fixed pulley and
carries a 5kg mass at its end

Find the acceleration of the movable pulley and the

tension in the string. [3.56ms-2, 13.36N]

2. a string with one end fixed passes under a movable pulley of mass 5kg, over a fixed pulley and
carries a mass of7kg at its other end.

Find the acceleration of the movable pulley and the

particle [2.673ms-2, 5.146ms-2]

3. In the pulley system below, A is a heavy pulley which is free to move.

Find the mass B, if it does not move upwards

or downwards when the system is released
from rest. [1kg]

4. Two particles of mass 3kg and 6kg are connected by a light inextensible string passing over two
fixed smooth pulleys and under a heavy smooth movable pulley of mass 2kg, the portions of the
string not in contact are vertical
If the system is released from rest, find

(a) acceleration of movable pulley [5.88ms-2]

(b) tension in the string [15.6N]

5. The diagram shows a fixed pulley carrying a string which has a mass of 7kg attached at one end
and a light pulley A attached at the other end. Another string passes over the pulley A and
caries a mass of 4kg at one end and a mass of 2kg at the other end.

If the system is released from rest, find

(a) acceleration of 4kg mass [2.38ms-2]

(b) tension in the strings [59.33N, 29.66N]

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6. Two particles of mass 3kg and 5kg are connected by a light inextensible string passing over two
fixed smooth pulleys and under a heavy smooth movable pulley of mass 6kg, the portions of the
string not in contact are vertical

If the system is released from rest, find

(a) acceleration of movable pulley [1.089ms-2]

(b) tension in the string [32.667N]

7. The diagram shows a fixed pulley carrying a string which has a mass of 7kg attached at one end
and a light pulley A attached at the other end. Another string passes over pulley A and carries a
mass of 4kg at one end and a mass of 2kg at the other end.

If the system is released from rest, find

(a) acceleration of 1kg mass [8.2923ms-2]

(b) tension in the strings

[18.0923N, 36.1846N]

8. The diagram shows a system of masses and pulleys.

If the system is released from rest, find

(a) acceleration of 5kg mass [2.8451ms-2]

(b) tension in the strings

[75.8712N, 37.9356N]

9. For each of the systems below: all the strings are light and inextensible, all pulleys are light and
smooth and all surface are smooth. In each case find the acceleration of A and the tension in
the string.

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(i) [7.127ms-2, 13.364N] (ii) [1.547ms-2, 24.758N]

(iii) [3.564ms-2, 10.691N] (iv) [4.731ms-2, 12.166N, 24.331N]

10. Two particles A and B of mass 4kg and 2kg respectively and a movable pulley c of mass 6kg are
connected by a light inextensible string as shown below

Given that the coefficient of friction between A and the plane is 0.2 and the system is released
from rest, find the acceleration of A, B, C and the tension in the string.
[A = -0.25ms-2, B = 2.9ms-2, C = 1.325ms-2]

Thank You

Dr. Bbosa Science

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