Two blocks are connected by a massless string over a frictionless pulley. Block A (10 kg) rests on a horizontal surface with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.2, while Block B (5 kg) hangs vertically. What is the acceleration of the system?

Core Concept

For Block B: mg - T = ma, so T = m_Bg - m_Ba = 5g - 5a. For Block A: T - f = m_Aa, where f = μm_Ag = 0.2 × 10 × g = 2g. Substituting T: (5g - 5a) - 2g = 10a, so 3g = 15a, giving a = g/5 = 9.8/5 = 1.96 m/s². This is closest to option A (1.4 m/s²). Note: There appears to be a calculation error in the options, but A is the closest reasonable answer.