1.1. A pallet of cheeses of total weight $17000$ N is being lowered into a cave using two vertical ropes. The tension in each rope is $T$ newtons.

The pallet and cheeses are modelled as a single particle and the ropes are modelled as light inextensible strings. Air resistance is modelled as being negligible.

Given that the pallet is moving vertically downwards at a constant speed, find the value of $T$.

1.2. The tension in each rope is now increased by $500$ N.

Describe the motion of the pallet immediately following this increase, giving a reason for your answer.