Questions: An object on a rope is lowered at constant speed. Which is true?
A. The rope tension is greater than the object's weight.
B. The rope tension equals the object's weight.
C. The rope tension is less than the object's weight.
D. The rope tension can't be compared to the object's weight.
Transcript text: An object on a rope is lowered at constant speed. Which is true?
A. The rope tension is greater than the object's weight.
B. The rope tension equals the object's weight.
C. The rope tension is less than the object's weight.
D. The rope tension can't be compared to the object's weight.
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Understanding the Problem
The problem states that an object is being lowered at a constant speed using a rope. We need to determine the relationship between the rope tension and the object's weight.
Step 2: Analyzing the Forces
When an object is lowered at a constant speed, it means that the object is in a state of dynamic equilibrium. This implies that the net force acting on the object is zero.
Step 3: Applying Newton's First Law
According to Newton's First Law, if the net force on an object is zero, the forces acting on the object must be balanced. The forces in this scenario are the tension in the rope (T) and the weight of the object (W).
Step 4: Equating the Forces
Since the object is moving at a constant speed, the tension in the rope must equal the weight of the object to maintain equilibrium.