Tension in an Accelerated System

whoareyou · Oct 28, 2011

Homework Statement

Multiple-choice physics problem showing three stacked boxes hung vertically by ropes, with tension forces F_T1 (top), F_T2 (middle) and F_T3 (bottom) labelled, and five answer options comparing magnitudes |F_T1|, |F_T2| and |F_T3| using equal, greater-than and less-than signs.

The Attempt at a Solution

"Any objects attached to the rope will have the same magnitude of acceleration as the rope." So since no mass is given, I assumed all the masses are the same. So wouldn't A be the answer?

gneill · Oct 28, 2011

The tension F_T3 only has to accelerate the third mass upwards. F_T2 has to accelerate both the second and third mass. F_T1 has to... you get the picture. So the tensions are not equal.

Tension in an Accelerated System

Homework Statement

The Attempt at a Solution

Discussion

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