Question

Ideally, is it possible for m_{2 larger mass on a pulley} to be in motion if the net force is zero? If your answer is “yes,” explain what specific conditions are required for this to occur. If your answer is “no,” explain in detail why this cannot occur

Answer 1

There are two possibilities of the motion of an object when no net force acts on it. As F = Ma, where M is the mass of the object and a is acceleration in it, so if F = 0, it means a = 0, means acceleration in the object is zero, means there is no change in its state of rest or of uniform motion. That's why heavy object on the pulley moves down even if net force acting on it is zero, it shows that heavy object will be moving down with uniform motion. Actually in the beginning object starts coming down when earth pulls it but soon tension in the string becomes equal to its weight so acceleration in it reduces to zero but it continues moving with uniform motion.