Force and String Tensions Comparison in a System

05 May 2023

How do the force F and string tensions Ta and Tb compare in a system with masses m3>m2>m1?

A. Tb B. Tb=Ta C. Tb=Ta=F D. F

F and string tension can be compared as F > Tb > Ta

Let's analyze the scenario with m3 > m2 > m1 and consider how the force F and string tensions Ta and Tb compare.

Given the masses' relationship, we can determine the relationship between the string tensions and the applied force:

Since m3 is the largest mass, the force F must be greater than both Ta and Tb to overcome the inertia of m3 and set the system in motion. Therefore, F > Ta and F > Tb.
As for the string tensions, Ta supports only m1, while Tb supports both m1 and m2. This means that the tension in string B (Tb) must be greater than the tension in string A (Ta) to support the larger combined mass of m1 and m2. Therefore, Tb > Ta.

Taking these relationships into account, we can conclude that the correct comparison is: F > Tb > Ta.