A Light Rope Passes Over a Light Frictionless Pulley Attached

question 28

Multiple Choice

A light rope passes over a light frictionless pulley attached to the ceiling. An object with a large mass is tied to one end and an object with a smaller mass is tied to the other end. Starting from rest the heavier object moves downward and the lighter object moves upward with the same magnitude acceleration. Which of the following statements is true for the system consisting of the two objects?

• A) The center of mass remains at rest.
• B) The net external force is zero.
• C) The velocity of the center of mass is a constant.
• D) The acceleration of the center of mass is g, downward.
• E) None of the above statements are true.

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Definitions:

Hot Spot

A region in the Earth's mantle from which hot plumes of magma rise to the surface, often forming volcanic islands.

Subsidence

The gradual settling or sinking of the Earth's surface with little or no horizontal motion, often due to natural underground processes.

Fold and Thrust Belt

A series of mountainous folds and thrust faults that are typically formed at convergent plate boundaries.

Snake River Plain

A geographical feature in the U.S. state of Idaho, characterized by a vast area of flatland through which the Snake River flows.