Two blocks of mass M₁=20 ~kg and M₂=12 ~kg are connected by a metal rod of mass 8 ~kg . The system is pulled vertically up by applying a force of 480 ~N as shown. The tension at the mid-point of the rod is:

Step-by-step solution

Acceleration produced in upward direction aligned & a = F M ₁+ M ₂+ Mass of metal rod & = 480 20+12+8 =12 ~ms ⁻² aligned Tension at the mid point aligned T & = ( M ₂+ Mass of rod 2 ) a & =(12+4) 12=192 ~N aligned