The mass of the suspended object affects the movement of the blocks on the tabletop because it creates a force that pulls on the blocks through the pulley system. This force is known as tension and it can cause the blocks to move in a certain direction.
The pulley is used to change the direction of the force created by the suspended mass. Without the pulley, the force would simply pull straight down on the blocks, but with the pulley, the force can be redirected horizontally to cause the blocks to move.
The angle of the pulley can affect the movement of the blocks because it can change the direction and magnitude of the force acting on the blocks. If the pulley is at an angle, the force will be split into vertical and horizontal components, which can change the direction of the movement of the blocks.
Yes, the blocks on the tabletop can move without the suspended mass. However, they will only move if there is another force acting on them, such as a push or pull from an external source. Without any external force, the blocks will remain stationary due to the principle of inertia.
The friction between the blocks and the tabletop can affect the movement of the blocks by creating a force that opposes their movement. This force, known as frictional force, can cause the blocks to slow down or even stop if it is strong enough. It is important to consider the friction when conducting this experiment as it can affect the accuracy of the results.