Question

Each of 100 identical blocks sitting on a frictionless surface is connected to the next block by a massless string. The first block is pulled with a force of 100 N. What is the tension in the string connecting block 100 to block 99? What is the tension in the string connecting block 50 to block 51?

Answer 1

Answer:

The tension in the string connecting block 50 to block 51 is 50 N.

Explanation:

Given that,

Number of block = 100

Force = 100 N

let m be the mass of each block.

We need to calculate the net force acting on the 100th block

Using second law of newton

$F=ma$

$100=100m\times a$

$ma=1\ N$

We need to calculate the tension in the string between blocks 99 and 100

Using formula of force

$F_{100-99}=ma$

$F_{100-99}=1$

We need to calculate the total number of masses attached to the string

Using formula for mass

$m'=(100-50)m$

$m'=50m$

We need to calculate the tension in the string connecting block 50 to block 51

Using formula of tension

$F_{50}=m'a$

Put the value into the formula

$F_{50}=50m\times a$

$F_{50}=50\times1$

$F_{50}=50\ N$

Hence, The tension in the string connecting block 50 to block 51 is 50 N.