Chapter 16.2, Problem 2aTH

Two creates, A and B, are in an elevator as shown. The mass of crate A is greater than the mass of create B.

1. The elevator moves downward at constant speed.

i. How does the acceleration of crate A compare to that of crate B? Explain.

ii. In the spaces provided below, draw and label separate free-body diagrams for the crates.

iii. Rank the forces on the crates according to magnitude, from largest to smallest. Explain your reasoning, including how you used Newton’s second and third laws.
iv. In the spaces provided at right, draw arrows to indicate the direction of the net force on each crate. If the net force on either crate is zero crate is zero, state so explicitly. Explain.

Is the magnitude of the net force on crate Agreater than, less than, or equal to that on crate B? Explain.