FIGURE 4-5
-Two identical masses are attached by a light string that passes over a small pulley, as shown in Fig. 4-5. The table and the pulley are frictionless. The masses are moving
A)with an acceleration less than g.
B)at constant speed.
C)with an acceleration greater than g.
D)with an acceleration equal to g.
E)with an acceleration that cannot be determined without additional information.

Question

FIGURE 4-5 
-Two identical masses are attached by a light string that passes over a small pulley, as shown in Fig. 4-5. The table and the pulley are frictionless. The masses are moving
A)with an acceleration less than g. 
B)at constant speed. 
C)with an acceleration greater than g. 
D)with an acceleration equal to g. 
E)with an acceleration that cannot be determined without additional information.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The masses are moving with an acceleration less than g because the tension in the string provides an upward force that reduces the net force acting on each mass, resulting in an acceleration less than g.

FIGURE 4-5 -Two Identical Masses Are Attached by a Light String That