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Multiple Choice: What would happened to the vertical intercept of Applied Force

ID: 1358022 • Letter: M

Question

Multiple Choice:

What would happened to the vertical intercept of Applied Force vs. Acceleration for an Atwood's Machine just like the one we used in lab, if the total system mass was increased?

a) The vertical intercept would have increased because the friction in the bearings would have been more due to more load on the bearings.

b) The vertical intercept would have decreased because it would have required less force to move the system with the same acceleration.

c) The vertical intercept would have increased because the vertical intercept represents the total mass of the system.

d) The vertical intercept would have increased because the difference in masses would have been bigger thus requiring more applied force to move the system.

e) The vertical intercept would have decreased because the friction in the bearings would be diminished due to efficiency of loading.

Explanation / Answer

On increasing the total mass of the system, the frictional force would increase as the normal force increases due to increased tension in the rope. As a result more force will be required to initial acceleration, hence the vertical intercept would increase.

Answer. a)  The vertical intercept would have increased because the friction in the bearings would have been more due to more load on the bearings.