String Tension with Multiple Masses · PhysicsBowl 2014 #4
Physics · mechanics
Problem
Three equal masses are suspended from a classroom ceiling by a series of strings as shown in the figure. Which string has the greatest tension?
[Figure: Three equal masses M suspended vertically by strings A, B, and C in series - string A connects to ceiling, string B connects first and second mass, string C connects second and third mass]
(A) Only String A
(B) Only String B
(C) Only String C
(D) Strings A, B, and C have the same non-zero tension.
(E) Strings A, B, and C all have no tension.