Consider the block and trolley system shown in the figure. If the coefficient of kinetic friction between the trolley and the surface is 0.04, the acceleration of the system in m s⁻² is: [The string is massless and unstretchable; the pulley is massless and frictionless.]

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Image Kinetic friction on the 20 kg trolley: fₖ = μN = 0.04 × 20g = 8 N Net driving force: F(net) = 60 - 8 = 52 N Total mass: M(total) = 20 + 6 = 26 kg Acceleration: a = F(net)/M(total) = 52/26 = 2 m s⁻²