Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Newton's laws of motion
Newton's laws of motion — practice question
Block $A$ has mass $80\,\text{kg}$ and is joined by a light, inextensible rope to block $B$, which has mass $40\,\text{kg}$. The rope between the blocks is taut and runs parallel to the line of greatest slope of a plane that is inclined at $20^\circ$ to the horizontal. A force of magnitude $500\,\text{N}$ acting at an angle of $15^\circ$ above that same line of greatest slope is applied to $A$ (see diagram). The blocks move up the plane, there is a resistance force of $50\,\text{N}$ on $B$, and there is no resistance force on $A$.
(a)[5]
Find the acceleration of the blocks and the tension in the rope.
(b)[2]
Find the time that it takes for the blocks to reach a speed of $1.2\,\text{m s}^{-1}$ from rest.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 7-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “Apply Newton’s second law to at least one body” …