Question

When the cart moves on an incline at constant speed, it is in equilibrium; i.e., the net force on it is zero. Does it require more, less, or the same tension in the string to pull the cart up the track at constant speed or down the track at constant speed?

Answer 1

Answer:

It requires more tension to pull up the track

Explanation:

Net force must be zero to maintain constant velocity.

Weight force will always be pointed down the slope. Call it W

Friction force (Call it Ff) will be down slope when movement is up slope.

Friction force will be up slope when movement is down slope.

W and Ff are always positive numbers

Call the pulling force T

If Up slope is considered the positive direction

Moving up slope

Tu - Ff - W = 0

Tu = Ff + W

Moving down slope

Td + W - Ff = 0

Td = Ff - W

Ff + W > Ff - W therefore Tu > Td