Question

question
if mass m₂ is increased, does the acceleration of the system increase, decrease, or remain the same?
increases
decreases
remains the same
does the tension increase, decrease, or remain the same?
increases
decreases
remains the same
practice it

Explanation:

Step1: Consider Newton's second - law

According to Newton's second - law $F = ma$, where $F$ is the net force, $m$ is the total mass of the system, and $a$ is the acceleration. Assume a two - block system with a net driving force $F$. The total mass of the system is $m = m_1 + m_2$. So, $a=\frac{F}{m_1 + m_2}$.

Step2: Analyze the effect of increasing $m_2$ on acceleration

If $m_2$ is increased while $F$ and $m_1$ are constant, the denominator $m_1 + m_2$ increases. Since $a=\frac{F}{m_1 + m_2}$, the acceleration $a$ decreases.

Step3: Analyze the tension

Let's assume a system where the two blocks are connected by a string. Consider the forces acting on one of the blocks, say $m_1$. The net force on $m_1$ is $F_{net1}=T$ (tension) and $F_{net1}=m_1a$. Since $a=\frac{F}{m_1 + m_2}$, then $T = m_1a=\frac{m_1F}{m_1 + m_2}$. As $m_2$ increases, the denominator $m_1 + m_2$ increases while $m_1$ and $F$ are constant. So the tension $T$ decreases.

Answer:

1. decreases
2. decreases