Question

The figure shows a heavy block kept on a frictionless surface and being pulled by two ropes of equal mass m. At t = 0, the force on the left rope is withdrawn but the force on the right end continues to act. Let F₁ and F₂ be the magnitudes of the forces exerted by right rope and the left rope on the block, respectively.

Options

• F₁ = F₂ = F for t < 0

• F₁ = F₂ = F + mg for t < 0

• F₁ = F, F₂ = F for t > 0

• F₁ < F, F₂ = F for t > 0

Answer 1

F₁ = F₂ = F, for t < 0
At t < 0, the block is in equilibrium in the horizontal direction.
So, F₁ = F₂ = F
At t > 0, F₂ = 0 and F₁ = F.