Two boxes are connected to each other by a string as shown in the figure. The 10-N box slides without friction on the horizontal table surface. The pulley is ideal and the string has negligible mass. What is true about the tension T in the string? (HINT you can solve this without needing to solve for the tension exactly)

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### Tension in a String Connected to Two Boxes

**Problem Description:**

Two boxes are connected to each other by a string in a system, as shown in the figure. The 10-N box slides without friction on a horizontal table surface. The pulley is ideal, and the string has negligible mass. The question is about determining the tension \( T \) in the string.

**Hint:** You can solve this without needing to solve for the tension exactly.

**Visual Representation:**

In the provided figure:

- The 10-N box rests on a horizontal table.
- A string is connected to this 10-N box and goes over a pulley.
- The other end of the string is connected to a 30-N weight, which hangs vertically off the table.

### Possible Answers:

1. \( T = 10 \, \text{N} \)
2. \( T = 40 \, \text{N} \)
3. \( T = 30 \, \text{N} \)
4. \( T < 30 \, \text{N} \)
5. \( T > 30 \, \text{N} \)

### Explanation:

Consider the forces acting on both boxes:

1. **For the 30-N weight (hanging vertically):**
    - The force of gravity acting downward is 30 N.
    - The tension \( T \) in the string acts upward.
    
    If the system were at equilibrium, the tension \( T \) would equal the weight, i.e., 30 N. However, since the 30-N weight is causing the 10-N box to accelerate, the tension must be less than 30 N in order to account for the net force required to accelerate the system.

2. **For the 10-N box (on the table):**
    - The tension \( T \) in the string pulls the box horizontally.

### Conclusion:

The tension \( T \) in the string is causing the 10-N box to accelerate horizontally, and the same tension is counteracting part of the 30-N weight's force. Therefore:

\[ T < 30 \, \text{N} \]

So, the correct answer is:
- \( T < 30 \, \text{N} \)

This setup allows students to understand the principles of tension in strings, forces in equilibrium, and the effects of acceleration in a frictionless environment.
Transcribed Image Text:### Tension in a String Connected to Two Boxes **Problem Description:** Two boxes are connected to each other by a string in a system, as shown in the figure. The 10-N box slides without friction on a horizontal table surface. The pulley is ideal, and the string has negligible mass. The question is about determining the tension \( T \) in the string. **Hint:** You can solve this without needing to solve for the tension exactly. **Visual Representation:** In the provided figure: - The 10-N box rests on a horizontal table. - A string is connected to this 10-N box and goes over a pulley. - The other end of the string is connected to a 30-N weight, which hangs vertically off the table. ### Possible Answers: 1. \( T = 10 \, \text{N} \) 2. \( T = 40 \, \text{N} \) 3. \( T = 30 \, \text{N} \) 4. \( T < 30 \, \text{N} \) 5. \( T > 30 \, \text{N} \) ### Explanation: Consider the forces acting on both boxes: 1. **For the 30-N weight (hanging vertically):** - The force of gravity acting downward is 30 N. - The tension \( T \) in the string acts upward. If the system were at equilibrium, the tension \( T \) would equal the weight, i.e., 30 N. However, since the 30-N weight is causing the 10-N box to accelerate, the tension must be less than 30 N in order to account for the net force required to accelerate the system. 2. **For the 10-N box (on the table):** - The tension \( T \) in the string pulls the box horizontally. ### Conclusion: The tension \( T \) in the string is causing the 10-N box to accelerate horizontally, and the same tension is counteracting part of the 30-N weight's force. Therefore: \[ T < 30 \, \text{N} \] So, the correct answer is: - \( T < 30 \, \text{N} \) This setup allows students to understand the principles of tension in strings, forces in equilibrium, and the effects of acceleration in a frictionless environment.
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