202301130941 Solution to 2014-IBHL-PHY-I-5

Two blocks of weight $5\,\mathrm{N}$ and $2\,\mathrm{N}$ are attached to two ropes, $\textrm{X}$ and $\textrm{Y}$ .

The blocks hang vertically. The mass of the ropes is negligible. What is the tension in $\textrm{X}$ and the tension in $\textrm{Y}$ ?

Roughwork.

As always start with free-body diagrams. Take upward positive. First the lower block:

Then the higher block:

Or alternatively,

Ans. $\begin{cases} T_\textrm{X}=7\,\mathrm{N} \\ T_\textrm{Y}=2\,\mathrm{N} \\ \end{cases}$

This problem is not to be attempted.