This one should be a no-brainer for someone who knows what they’re talking about, but I’m not one of those people so I’ve gotta ask.
Let’s say that we have Object A on a frictionless table on Earth. Then let’s say we tie a string to Object A and run the string over a pulley wheel at the edge of the table so it hangs over the table’s edge. Then, let’s tie Object B to the end of the string dangling off the table. When released, Object B will drop to the floor. The force will be transfered through the string and have its direction changed by the wheel. Object A will be pulled along until it is forced to stop by being pulled off the table or whatever. When using the calculation F = ma for this situation, is m the mass of Object A or the mass of Objects A AND B?
If I missed something important, I’m sorry. Please correct my ignorance.
Thanks guys!