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Grade 11Mechanics

Two bodies of masses m1 and m2 are connected by a long inextensible cord of length L. The combination is allowed to fall freely towards the earth ( mass me), the direction of the cord being always radial as shown in the figure. Find: (a) the tension in the cord and (b) the accelerations of m1 and m2. Does the cord ever becomes slack?

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Profile image of Taral Jain
9 Years agoGrade 11
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1 Answer

Profile image of Vikas TU
9 Years ago
Net force will be total gravity force of both masses hence,
F net = Gmem1/h^2 + Gmem2/(h+l)^2 = > Gme[m1/h^2 + m2/(h+l)^2] = (m1 + m2)*a
we get a =  Gme[m1/h^2 + m2/(h+l)^2]/(m1+m2)