Two objects,each of weight W,hang vertically by spring scales as shown in the figure.The pulleys and the strings attached to the objects have negligible weight,and there is no appreciable friction in the pulleys.The reading in each scale is
A)W.
B)more than W,but not quite twice as much.
C)less than W.
D)2W.
E)more than 2W.

Question

Two objects,each of weight W,hang vertically by spring scales as shown in the figure.The pulleys and the strings attached to the objects have negligible weight,and there is no appreciable friction in the pulleys.The reading in each scale is 
A)W. 
B)more than W,but not quite twice as much. 
C)less than W. 
D)2W. 
E)more than 2W.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tension in both strings is the same since they are connected and pulling each other at the pulley, therefore each scale is supporting half the weight of the two objects, which is W. So the reading on each scale is also W.

Two Objects,each of Weight W,hang Vertically by Spring Scales as Shown