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As maths question

Would anyone be able to help me on this maths question?

A particle P, of mass m kilograms, is attached to one end of a light inextensible string.
The other end of this string is held at a fixed position, O.
P hangs freely, in equilibrium, vertically below O.
Identify the statement below that correctly describes the tension, T newtons, in the string as m varies.

Options are :
T varies along the string, with its greatest value at O
T varies along the string, with its greatest value at P
T=0 because the system is in equilibrium
T is directly proportional to m
Reply 1
Avatar for mqb2766
mqb2766
21
Original post by Eesa268
Would anyone be able to help me on this maths question?

A particle P, of mass m kilograms, is attached to one end of a light inextensible string.
The other end of this string is held at a fixed position, O.
P hangs freely, in equilibrium, vertically below O.
Identify the statement below that correctly describes the tension, T newtons, in the string as m varies.

Options are :
T varies along the string, with its greatest value at O
T varies along the string, with its greatest value at P
T=0 because the system is in equilibrium
T is directly proportional to m


Any ideas? The key thing is the mass is suspended by the string, in equilibrium.
Reply 2
Avatar for Roga$$$
Roga$$$
10
Original post by Eesa268
Would anyone be able to help me on this maths question?

A particle P, of mass m kilograms, is attached to one end of a light inextensible string.
The other end of this string is held at a fixed position, O.
P hangs freely, in equilibrium, vertically below O.
Identify the statement below that correctly describes the tension, T newtons, in the string as m varies.

Options are :
T varies along the string, with its greatest value at O
T varies along the string, with its greatest value at P
T=0 because the system is in equilibrium
T is directly proportional to m

T does not vary along the string: all molecules in the string are stretched the same amount as all others. (Also, why would it? think about tug of war)
T is not = 0 because it is equal to mg, the weight of P, to be in equilibrium. Forces in opposite directions are equal for something to be in equilibrium.
T is proportional to m (constant of proportionality is g!)

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