The coefficient of friction between the table and the block shown in the figure is 0.2 . Calculate the tensions in the two strings.

Step-by-step solution

Let a be the acceleration of the system and T₁, T₂ be the tensions in the left and right strings respectively. Taking g = 10 m/s ^2 . The 15 kg block moves downwards, the 5 kg block on the table moves to the left, and the 5 kg hanging block moves upwards. The kinetic friction on the 5 kg block on the table is: f = N = m g = 0.2 5 10 = 10 N The equations of motion for the three blocks are: For the 15 kg block: 15g - T₁ = 15a 150 - T₁ = 15a For the 5 kg block on the table: T₁ - T₂ - f = 5a T₁ - T₂ - 10 = 5a For the 5