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Block A, B, and C are connected by ropes of negligible mass. What is the relationship between the tensions in the ropes?

1) The tension in the rope connecting A and B is equal to the tension in the rope connecting B and C.
2) The tension in the rope connecting A and B is greater than the tension in the rope connecting B and C.
3) The tension in the rope connecting A and B is less than the tension in the rope connecting B and C.
4) The relationship between the tensions in the ropes cannot be determined.

User SoWeLie
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The tension in a rope of negligible mass that connects two objects is consistent throughout, meaning that the force is equal at all points in the rope, leading to equal tensions between connected blocks A, B, and C.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Newton's third law, when a perfectly flexible connector, such as a rope, transmits a force, the same force must act equally and oppositely on the objects it connects. This means that the tension in the rope is the same anywhere between the two connected objects. In the scenario where blocks A, B, and C are connected by ropes of negligible mass, the tension in the rope connecting A and B is equal to the tension in the rope connecting B and C, assuming the ropes are purely in tension with no other forces acting on them (such as friction or air resistance). Therefore, the correct answer would be 1) The tension in the rope connecting A and B is equal to the tension in the rope connecting B and C.

User Hugo
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