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Physics Problem of the Week for Jan 18 2016

Balloon and person

A balloon of mass $M$ is floating motionless in the air. A person of mass $m$, which is less than $M$ is on a rope hanging from the balloon. The person begins to climb the ladder at a uniform speed $v$ relative to the ground. While the person is climbing the rope, how does the speed of the balloon, $V$ (relative to the ground) compare to $v$? Is $V$ less than $v$? Greater? Equal?

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