Three blocks on a horizontal frictionless surface are connected by massless stri

Question

Three blocks on a horizontal frictionless surface are connected by massless strings as shown in the picture above. A force F acts on M3 and accelerates the system to the right. There are several possible systems you might choose to analyze in a situation like this. Which of the possible systems below will experience T1, the tension in the rope connecting the blocks of mass M1 and M2, as an external force?
Select "True" for the systems that will experience T1 as an external force.
TrueFalse Blocks M1 and M2 together as a single point particle system.
TrueFalse Block M2 alone as a point particle system.
TrueFalse Block M3 alone as a point particle system.
TrueFalse Block M1 alone as a point particle system.
TrueFalse Blocks M2 and M3 together as a single point particle system.
TrueFalse All three blocks together as a single point particle system.

Explanation / Answer

M1 Tension   M2            M3

1)False   tension is internal to system of blocks 1 and 2

2)True    tension acts externally on M2

3)False   tension not connected to M3

4)True    tension act externally on M1

5)True   tension acts externally on M2 which is part of system

6)False   tension is internal to system of blocks

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