EXAMPLE: BLOCK AND TACKLE

Examine the system:

1. Draw the free-body diagram for the system and label all forces.
2. How long does it take the block to drop 2 feet?
3. What are the speeds of both blocks when the 5 lb block has dropped 2 feet?
4. If a spring were added to left of the 10 lb block, what would the spring constant have to be to bring the system to rest when the 5 lb block has dropped 2 feet?

Solution

1. Free-body diagram without spring.