A \( 4 \, \text{kg} \) block on a horizontal surface (\( \mu_k = 0.3 \)) is connected to a \( 5 \,
\text{kg} \) mass over a pulley. A force of \( 30 \, \text{N} \) at \( 53^\circ \) to the horizontal
pulls the \( 4 \, \text{kg} \) block, and a \( 10 \, \text{N} \) force opposes the \( 5 \, \text{kg} \)
mass. What is the acceleration? (Take \( g = 10 \, \text{m/s}^2 \), \( \sin 53^\circ = 0.8 \), \( \cos
53^\circ = 0.6 \))
The system accelerates as the \( 5 \, \text{kg} \) mass moves downward and the \( 4 \, \text{kg} \) block
moves horizontally.
For the \( 5 \, \text{kg} \) mass (vertical): Forces are weight downward, tension upward, and opposing
force upward.
Net force: \( 5g - T - 10 = 5a \Rightarrow 50 - T - 10 = 5a \Rightarrow 40 - T = 5a \).
For the \( 4 \, \text{kg} \) block (horizontal): Forces are tension, kinetic friction, and the horizontal
component of the \( 30 \, \text{N} \) force.
Normal force: \( N = mg - F \sin 53^\circ = 4 \times 10 - 30 \times 0.8 = 40 - 24 = 16 \, \text{N} \).
Friction: \( f_k = \mu_k N = 0.3 \times 16 = 4.8 \, \text{N} \).
Horizontal component of force: \( F \cos 53^\circ = 30 \times 0.6 = 18 \, \text{N} \).
Net force: \( T + 18 - 4.8 = 4a \Rightarrow T + 13.2 = 4a \).
Solve the two equations: \( 40 - T = 5a \) and \( T + 13.2 = 4a \).
Substitute \( T = 40 - 5a \) into the second: \( 40 - 5a + 13.2 = 4a \).
Combine: \( 53.2 = 4a + 5a \Rightarrow 53.2 = 9a \).
Solve: \( a = \frac{53.2}{9} \approx 5.91 \, \text{m/s}^2 \).