Two blocks are connected by a massless string that passes over a massless pulley, as shown. In the absence of friction, how does the tension force exerted by the string on the 250 N block compare with the tension force exerted by the string on the 350 N block?
A) The force on the 250 N block is smaller by a factor of 0.71.
B) The force on the 250 N block is larger by a factor of 1.4.
C) The force on the 250 N block is always equal to its weight.
D) The force on the 250 N block is equal to the weight of the 350 N block.
E) The two forces are equal.

Question

Two blocks are connected by a massless string that passes over a massless pulley, as shown. In the absence of friction, how does the tension force exerted by the string on the 250 N block compare with the tension force exerted by the string on the 350 N block? 
A) The force on the 250 N block is smaller by a factor of 0.71. 
B) The force on the 250 N block is larger by a factor of 1.4. 
C) The force on the 250 N block is always equal to its weight. 
D) The force on the 250 N block is equal to the weight of the 350 N block. 
E) The two forces are equal.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a system with a massless string and pulley and no friction, the tension force in the string is the same on both sides of the pulley. Therefore, the tension force exerted by the string on the 250 N block is equal to the tension force exerted by the string on the 350 N block.

Two Blocks Are Connected by a Massless String That Passes