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Two blocks, each of mass 3.50 kg, are fastened to the top of an elevator, as shown above. The elevator's acceleration is 1.60 m/s² upward. Which rope has more tension, the top rope or the bottom rope? Explain without calculations.

a. The top rope has more tension.
b. The bottom rope has more tension.
c. Both ropes have the same tension.
d. It depends on the friction.

1 Answer

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Final Answer:

The bottom rope has more tension because it needs to support the weight of the lower block and provide the additional force for the upward acceleration of the elevator, while the top rope only needs to support the weight of the upper block without contributing to the acceleration.option.b

Explanation:

In the given scenario, where two blocks are fastened to the top of an elevator, experiencing an acceleration of 1.60 m/s² upward, the tension in the ropes can be analyzed. The tension in a rope is the force transmitted through it, and in this case, the bottom rope has to support not only the mass of the lower block but also the additional force due to the acceleration of the elevator.

Since the elevator is accelerating upwards, the tension in the bottom rope must be greater to counteract the gravitational force on the lower block and provide the necessary force for upward acceleration.

On the other hand, the top rope is also subject to the gravitational force of the upper block, but it does not need to provide the additional force for acceleration since it is moving in the same direction. Therefore, the top rope experiences less tension compared to the bottom rope. This distinction arises from the dynamics of the system, where the bottom block requires a greater force to accelerate upwards, leading to higher tension in the bottom rope.

In summary, the bottom rope has more tension due to its role in supporting the weight of the lower block and contributing to the overall upward acceleration of the system.

So correct option is b. The bottom rope has more tension.

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