Two crates, one with mass 5.4 kg and the other with mass 8.2 kg, connected by a light rope. the coefficient of kinetic friction between each crate and the surface is 0.43.the crates are pulled to the right at a constant velocity of 2.9 cm/s by a horizontal force. determine the ratio of the magnitude of the applied horizontal force to the magnitude of the tension in the rope connecting the blocks. use 9.80 meters per second squared for acceleration due to gravity.

R= 2.5 :ratio of the magnitude of the applied horizontal force to the magnitude of the tension in the rope connecting the blocks

Explanation:

We apply Newton's second law:

∑F=m*a

velocity  is constant ,then , a=0

Nomenclature

W: weight

m: mass

N : normal force

Ff: Friction force

μk: coefficient of kinetic friction

T: tension  force in the rope

F: applied horizontal force

g: acceleration due to gravity.

Force Calculation

W₁=m₁*g=5.4 kg *9.8m/s²=52.92 N

W₂=m₂*g=8.2 kg *9.8m/s²= 80.36N

∑Fy=0  

N₁-W₁=0 , N₁=W₁ = 52.92 N

N₂-W₂=0, N₂=W₂=80.36N

Ff₁= μk* N₁=0.4*52.92 N = 21.16N

Ff₂= μk* N₂=0.4*80.36N = 32.14N

Look at the attached graphic

Free-Body diagram m₁=5.4 kg

∑Fx=0

T- Ff₁=0 , T= Ff₁     ,    T= 21.16N

Free-Body diagram m₂=8.2 kg

∑Fx=0

F-T- Ff₂=0 , F=T+Ff₂= 21.16N+32.14N=53.3N

Ratio of the magnitude of the applied horizontal force to the magnitude of the tension in the rope connecting the blocks (R)

R= F/T= 53.3N/21.16N = 2.5

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