A force of `5N` gives a mass `m_(1)`, an acceleration of `10m//s^(2)`, and a mass `m_(2)`, an acceleration of `20m//s^(2)`. What acceleration would it give if both the masses were tied together?

Explanation

From Eq. (9.4) we have `m_(1)=F//a_(1)`, and `m_(2)=F//a_(2)`. Here , `a_(1)=10 ms^(-2)`,
`a_(2)=20 ms^(-2)` and `F=5 N`.
Thus , `m_(1) 5N//10 ms^(-2)=0.50 kg`: and `m_(2) =5 N//20 ms^(-2)=0.25 kg`
If the two masses were tied together , the total mass , m would be m=0.50 kg +0.25 =0.75 kg.
The acceleration , a produced in the combined mass by the 5 N force would be , `a=F//m=5N//0.75 kg=6.67 ms^(-2)`.