Two boxes of masses m1 and m2 are descending vertically at a constant accelerati

Question

Two boxes of masses m1 and m2 are descending vertically at a constant acceleration
a =g/5; they are attached by a string of negligible mass and the upper box is attached to a
second string.
What is true about the force exerted by
the string that runs between the lower box of
mass m2 and the upper box of mass m1 in this
situation?
i. (m1 + m2) g since the string supports
both masses.
ii.1/5(m1 + m2) g
iii. 5m2 g
iv.1/5m2 g
v.3/5m2 g
vi.The system is falling and each mass has
an acceleration of g/5, so the tension in the
string joining the masses must be zero.
vii.2/5m2 g
viii.4/5m2 g
ix. m2 g, of course

Explanation / Answer

it is viii

the second string supports only m2

f_gravity - f_tension = g/5

m2g - f_tension = g/5

f_tension = g(m2 - 1/5) = gm2(4/5)

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