Physics (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1118486897
ISBN 13: 978-1-11848-689-4

Chapter 4 - Forces and Newton's Laws of Motion - Focus On Concepts - Page 112: 23

Answer

The tension in the rope is $88N$.

Work Step by Step

1) First, let's look at the whole system of 2 boxes - Each of the box has mass $m$, so mass of the system $M=2m$ - The pulling force that acts on the system $P=176N$ - Total kinetic friction acting on 2 boxes: $\sum f_k=\mu_k\sum F_N=\mu_k(2mg)=2\mu_kmg$ Since the system is pulled at a constant velocity, it has no acceleration, so $$\sum f_k=P$$ $$2\mu_kmg=176N$$ $$\mu_kmg=88N$$ 2) Now, let's examine the box behind It is pulled by tension $T$, whose motion is opposed by $f_k=\mu_kmg$ This box also has no acceleration, so $$T=f_k=\mu_kmg=88N$$
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