Question

The ends of a massless rope are attached to two stationary objects (e.g., two trees or two cars) so that the rope makes a straight line. For this situation, which of the following statements are true? Check all that apply. 1. The tension in the rope is everywhere the same. 2. The magnitudes of the forces exerted on the two objects by the rope are the same.3. The forces exerted on the two objects by the rope must be in opposite directions.4. The forces exerted on the two objects by the rope must be in the direction of the rope.

Answer 1

Answer:

1. The tension in the rope is everywhere the same.

2. The magnitudes of the forces exerted on the two objects by the rope are the same.

3. The forces exerted on the two objects by the rope must be in opposite directions.

Explanation:

"Massless ropes" do not have a "net force" which means that it is able to transmit the force from one end of the rope to the other end, perfectly. It is known for its property of having a total force of zero. In order to attain this property, the magnitude of the forces exerted on the two stationary objects by the rope are the same and in opposite direction. So this explains number 2 & 3 answers.

Since the objects that are held by the rope are stationary, then this means that the tension in the rope is also stationary. This means that the tension in the rope everywhere is the same (provided that the rope is still or in a straight line, as stated in the situation above, and is being held by two points). So, this explains number 1.