NEWTON 2 : PROBLEM WITH STRATEGY: 2025 : 1
A PROBLEM-SOLVING STRATEGY FOR ROUTINE 2 MASS SYSTEMS PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY FOR ACCELERATION AND TENSION
IN NEWTONS LAWS CALCULATIONS
EXAMPLE : QUESTION 1 STEP1: Draw both free body M2
diagram
Two blocks of 25 kg and 15 kg are connected by a light inextensible M1
string on a horizontal surface. A force of magnitude 240 N is applied to
the block of 15 kg forming an angle of 30° with the horizontal as shown
in the sketch below. The coefficient of kinetic friction is 0,20.
STEP 2: Calculate the Fy =Fsinθ
components of the applied
force acting angle or Fgrav on
1.1 State Newton’s Second Law of Motion in words. an incline
__________________________________________________________ Fx= Fcosθ
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STEP 3: Ensure the correct
normal forces are calculated
(note 𝐹𝑛 ≠ 𝐹𝑔 if the applied
force acts at an angle)
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NEWTON 2 : PROBLEM WITH STRATEGY: 2025 : 2
STEP 4: If co-efficients of 1.2 Draw a free body diagram for the block of 25 kg. (4)
friction are given you must
calculate Fk. 1.3 Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration of
the blocks. (6)
1.4 Calculate the magnitude of the tension force in the connecting
cord. (3)
1.5 Modern cars are fitted with inertia reel seatbelts to protect
STEP 5: Now apply NII to each passengers in case of an accident. In South Africa every year a
mass and set up an equation big number of children die for not using seatbelts during accidents.
for each in terms of T:
1.5.1 Which ONE of Newton’s laws of motion explains the use of
seat belts? (1)
1.5.2 Explain why safety belts are necessary using the
law stated in 1.5.1. (2)
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STEP 6: Now calculate the
tension using either eqn1 or
eqn2 from STEP 5.