Chapter 3, Problem 42A

A massive ball is suspended on a string and slowly pulled by another string attached to it from below, as shown.

a. Is the string tension greater in the upper or the lower string? Which string is more likely to break? Which property, mass or weight, is more important here?

b. If the string is instead snapped downward, which string is more likely to break? Is mass or weight more important this time?

To determine

Whether the greater tension is in the upper string or lower string.

Answer to Problem 42A

The upper string has greater tension and is more likely to break. Weight is important in a given situation.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Tension is a force that can be described as a pull that is transmitted through a rope, string or wire by each end.

Tension will be greater on the upper string because the weight of the ball is supported by the normal force while the lower string will support the pull only. Due to which, the upper string is more likely to break. So, the property of weight is important here.

Conclusion:

The upper string has greater tension and is more likely to break. Weight is important in a given situation.

To determine

When the string is snapped downward, the string that is more likely to break.

Answer to Problem 42A

The lower string is more likely to break as mass is more important in this case.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Mass can be defined as a measure of the quantity of matter that it contains. Weight is the measure of the force exerted on the body by gravity.

When the string is snapped downwards, the lower string will more likely to break. Due to the concept of inertia, in this case, the mass is more important than the weight.

Conclusion:

The lower string is more likely to break as mass is more important in this case.