OAR Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test

In this scenario, the tension in the ropes is influenced by the number of ropes supporting each block. Block A is supported by one rope, and thus, the entire weight of block A is borne by that single rope. Block B, on the other hand, is supported by three ropes, which means the weight of block B is distributed among those three ropes.

When analyzing the tension, it can be deduced that the tension in each rope supporting block B is one-third of the total weight of block B, while the single rope supporting block A must carry the full weight of block A. If the weights of block A and block B are equal, then the tension in the single rope for block A would indeed be three times greater than the tension in each of the ropes supporting block B.

Thus, the statement that the rope holding block A is under three times more pressure than the tension in each rope supporting block B holds true, given that block B is sharing its weight among three ropes, reducing the load per rope compared to the single rope supporting block A. This illustrates how tension operates differently based on how many supports are used for a given weight.