Find the force of the rope on the block

[ritwik06]

A block of mass 'M' is pulled along horizontal frictionless surface of a rope of mass 'm'. Force 'P' is applied at the end of rope. Find the force which the rope exerts on the block.

My attempt:
The total mass = M+m
Force P=(M+m)*a ------------ (i)
Force exerted on block = ma
a=P/(M+m)
Force on block=mP/(M+m)

Am i correct?

 

[berkeman]

Thread moved to homework. Based on your number of posts (not a newbie mistake), I'm giving a 0-point warning for posting a homework question in the general forums. Oh, and your answer looks correct to me.

 

[m2003]

Yes, your calculations and reasoning are correct. The force exerted on the block by the rope can be found by considering the total mass of the system (block + rope) and using the equation F=ma. This force can then be determined by substituting the value of acceleration (calculated from equation (i)) into the equation F=ma. Great job!