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CGP EDU Academic Team
Published on: September 12, 2026
Three masses connected by massless string as shown in figure, are placed on a horizontal frictionless surface. Find tensions T 1 and T 2 .

Text Solution
Verified by ExpertsThe correct answer is:
A
Step 1: Identify the forces acting on the masses in the system. We have three masses:
Step 2: Calculate the total mass of the system.
Total mass = m1 + m2 + m3
Total mass = 10 kg + 20 kg + 30 kg = 60 kg.
Step 3: Calculate the acceleration of the system using Newton's second law:
F = ma
Therefore, a = \frac{F}{m} = \frac{60 ext{ N}}{60 ext{ kg}} = 1 ext{ m/s}^2.
Step 4: Analyze the forces on each mass to find tensions T1 and T2.
For m3 (30 kg):
\( F_{net} = m_3 imes a \)
\( T_2 = m_3 imes a \)
\( T_2 = 30 ext{ kg} imes 1 ext{ m/s}^2 = 30 ext{ N} \)
For m2 (20 kg):
The tension T1 and T2 acting on m2 gives:
\( T_1 - T_2 = m_2 imes a \)
\( T_1 - 30 = 20 ext{ kg} imes 1 ext{ m/s}^2 \)
\( T_1 - 30 = 20 \)
\( T_1 = 50 ext{ N} \)
For m1 (10 kg):
\( T_1 = m_1 imes a \)
\( T_1 = 10 ext{ kg} imes 1 ext{ m/s}^2 = 10 ext{ N} \)
Therefore, T1 = 10 N and T2 = 30 N.
Therefore, the answer is option A: 10, 30.
- m1 = 10 kg
- m2 = 20 kg
- m3 = 30 kg
Step 2: Calculate the total mass of the system.
Total mass = m1 + m2 + m3
Total mass = 10 kg + 20 kg + 30 kg = 60 kg.
Step 3: Calculate the acceleration of the system using Newton's second law:
F = ma
Therefore, a = \frac{F}{m} = \frac{60 ext{ N}}{60 ext{ kg}} = 1 ext{ m/s}^2.
Step 4: Analyze the forces on each mass to find tensions T1 and T2.
For m3 (30 kg):
\( F_{net} = m_3 imes a \)
\( T_2 = m_3 imes a \)
\( T_2 = 30 ext{ kg} imes 1 ext{ m/s}^2 = 30 ext{ N} \)
For m2 (20 kg):
The tension T1 and T2 acting on m2 gives:
\( T_1 - T_2 = m_2 imes a \)
\( T_1 - 30 = 20 ext{ kg} imes 1 ext{ m/s}^2 \)
\( T_1 - 30 = 20 \)
\( T_1 = 50 ext{ N} \)
For m1 (10 kg):
\( T_1 = m_1 imes a \)
\( T_1 = 10 ext{ kg} imes 1 ext{ m/s}^2 = 10 ext{ N} \)
Therefore, T1 = 10 N and T2 = 30 N.
Therefore, the answer is option A: 10, 30.
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