Tensions between a Chain of Blocks

time

0.

masses

m

1

1.

m

2

1.

m

3

1.

Four blocks initially at rest are joined by a cable. Three of them slide on a table (with coefficient of kinetic friction

μ=0.3

) and the fourth hangs from a pulley. You can vary the masses of the first three blocks; the fourth block's mass

m

4

is constant at 3 kg. This Demonstration calculates the tensions and acceleration of the components of the system.