IB Physics SL A.2.8 Tension
IB Physics SL A.2.8 Tension
Practise finding tension in ropes and strings by applying Newton’s laws to connected blocks, hanging loads and motion on slopes with friction.
How this is tested
- apply F = ma to one block in a two-block system to determine the string tension from the acceleration
- explain why two near-horizontal strings supporting a weight must each have tension greater than W, not W/2
- resolve forces on a slope and combine friction with mg sin θ to calculate the rope tension needed for motion