Summary of Physics 17 Tension and Weight (4 of 11) Tension and Moving Objects - 2

Main Ideas and Concepts

Weight of an Object: Every Object has a Weight represented by the formula mg, where m is the mass and g is the Acceleration due to gravity.
Forces Acting on Objects:
- When an external force is applied to an Object, its Movement depends on the relationship between the applied force and the Weight of the Object.
- If the applied force equals the Weight of the Object, the Object will not move if it is stationary, regardless of whether it is on the ground or in the air.
Movement Scenarios:
- Stationary Object: If an Object is on the ground and a force equal to its Weight is applied, it will remain motionless.
- Object in the Air: If an Object is suspended in the air and a force equal to its Weight is applied, it will also remain motionless.
- Net Force and Acceleration: If a force greater than the Weight is applied, the Object will experience a net force and will accelerate upward.
- Constant Velocity: If an Object is already moving upward at a certain Velocity and a force equal to its Weight is applied, it will continue to move at that Velocity, as the Acceleration will be zero.
Common Confusion:
- There is often confusion in Physics problems regarding how an Object can move upward at a constant Velocity when the applied force equals the Weight. The key point is that if the Object has an initial Velocity, it will continue to move at that Velocity despite the Forces being equal.

Understanding Object Weight:
- Recognize that Weight W = mg.
Analyzing Forces:
- Determine the Forces acting on the Object (e.g., Weight and applied force).
Evaluating Motion:
- If an Object is stationary and a force equal to its Weight is applied:
  - Result: Object remains motionless.
- If an Object is in the air and a force equal to its Weight is applied:
  - Result: Object remains motionless.
- If a force greater than the Weight is applied:
  - Result: Object accelerates upward.
- If an Object is already moving upward:
  - If a force equal to the Weight is applied:
    - Result: Object continues moving at the same Velocity.
Clarifying Confusion:
- Understand that equal Forces result in zero Acceleration, but do not affect existing Velocity.