Shown in the center image below is a matted photograph of some flowers supported by a string passing over two pegs. At the left and the right of the picture are close-up views of the string as it winds its way over the pegs.

 a2-71L a2-71M  a2-71R 

For this experiment we will slip the support string over the end of one of the pegs at a time. While we do so we will hold a finger over the end of the other peg so that the string cannot slip over the end of that peg at the same time. The question involves what will happen.

When holding the left peg and slipping the string over the end of the right peg,

  • (a) the picture will remain suspended on the left peg.
  • (b) the picture will remain suspended on the right peg.
  • (c) the picture will fall freely into the box below.

When holding the right peg and slips the string over the end of the left peg,

  • (a) the picture will remain suspended on the right peg.
  • (b) the picture will remain suspended on the left peg.
  • (c) the picture will fall freely into the box below.

For answers, click Read More after November 7, 2014.

 The answer to the first question is C, the picture will fall into the box, as seen in this video.

 The answer to the second question is also C, as seen in this video.