A Fireman Is Sliding Down a Fire Pole

question 25

Multiple Choice

A fireman is sliding down a fire pole. As he speeds up, he tightens his grip on the pole, thus increasing the vertical frictional force that the pole exerts on the fireman. When the force on his
Hands equals his weight, what happens to the fireman?

• A) The fireman comes to a stop.
• B) The fireman descends with a smaller but non-zero acceleration.
• C) The fireman descends with slower and slower speed.
• D) The acceleration of the fireman is now upward.
• E) The fireman continues to descend, but with constant speed.