Monkey or Weight: Which Will Reach the Top First?

[whoelsebutme]

A rope hangs over a pulley. On one side a weight is tied. The weight is resting on ground when a monkey of equal weight starts climbing up the other side of the rope. Will the monkey reach the top first or the weight? Assume the rope and pulley to be lossless and the rope weightless.

 

[Gokul43201]

Well, what's your guess, and why?

We can NOT help you unless you show your work first. Please read the posting guidelines.

 

[J Hann]

Consider 2 things:
1) when the monkey pulls on the rope he momentarily increases the
tension in the rope.

2) since no external forces act on the system of monkey and weight
the center of mass of the two cannot be raised or lowered.