If a mass is suspended from the ceiling by a massless rope, will tension be the same at all points on the rope?
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$\begingroup$ Related: physics.stackexchange.com/q/156413/2451 and links therein. $\endgroup$– Qmechanic ♦Jun 29, 2020 at 5:23
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3 Answers
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Let's assume that tension increases down the rope then for this section of rope to be in equilibrium $$T-(T+\Delta T)=\Delta mg$$
As rope is massless, $\Delta m=0$
So, $\Delta T=0$
Therefore the magnitude of tension is constant throughout the massless rope.
answered Jun 29, 2020 at 5:25
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Yes, otherwise rope will be break , also $F_{net}$ on the rope wont be 0.
answered Jun 29, 2020 at 4:59
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A massless rope isn't a real thing. It is an idealization to make problems in first physics courses easier. This is done so you can learn about how objects accelerate when they exert forces on each other without extra complications from the rope. So yes, this ideal rope will have the same tension everywhere. It won't stretch, or break, or do other things a real rope might do.
answered Jun 29, 2020 at 5:16