Mass needed for static equilibrium compound pulley system

In summary, the pulley system will be in static equilibrium if the tension forces are properly balanced. This can be determined by considering the free body diagrams and the relationship between tensions and the change in lengths.
  • #1
hus8765
2
0

Homework Statement


For what m1 will the illustrated pulley system be in static equilibrium if m2 = 60 kg?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


im supposed to use the change in lengths but don't know how to do it
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2015-03-05 at 14.52.56.png
    Screen Shot 2015-03-05 at 14.52.56.png
    12.1 KB · Views: 794
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If it is static (no motion) then the lengths will not be changing. Look to free body diagrams and tensions instead.
 
  • #3
gneill said:
If it is static (no motion) then the lengths will not be changing. Look to free body diagrams and tensions instead.
thanks a lot
 
  • #4
Hello hus, welcome to PF :smile:

The change in length thingy is a good hint, though. But perhaps a little differently: If one of the two moves a little, does the other move just as much, half as much, or twice as much ? From that you can deduce the proper tension force to keep balance. And balance means no change of lengths allright.
 

Related to Mass needed for static equilibrium compound pulley system

1. How is mass distributed in a compound pulley system?

In a compound pulley system, the total mass is evenly distributed among all the connected pulleys and ropes. This means that each pulley and rope will have an equal amount of mass attached to it, resulting in a balanced system.

2. What is the formula for calculating the mass needed for static equilibrium in a compound pulley system?

The formula for calculating the mass needed for static equilibrium in a compound pulley system is: M = F/2, where M is the total mass needed and F is the force applied to the system. This formula assumes that all the pulleys and ropes are frictionless and weightless.

3. Can the mass needed for static equilibrium in a compound pulley system be less than the applied force?

Yes, it is possible for the mass needed for static equilibrium to be less than the applied force in a compound pulley system. This can occur when the number of ropes and pulleys in the system creates a mechanical advantage, resulting in a lower required mass to balance the system.

4. How does the number of ropes and pulleys affect the mass needed for static equilibrium in a compound pulley system?

The more ropes and pulleys in a compound pulley system, the lower the mass needed for static equilibrium. This is because each additional pulley and rope increases the mechanical advantage and reduces the required mass to balance the system.

5. What factors can affect the accuracy of the calculated mass needed for static equilibrium in a compound pulley system?

The accuracy of the calculated mass needed for static equilibrium in a compound pulley system can be affected by factors such as friction in the pulleys and ropes, the weight of the pulleys and ropes themselves, and external forces acting on the system. Additionally, the precision of the measurements and the assumptions made in the calculations can also affect the accuracy of the result.

Similar threads

  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
975
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
264
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
5K
Back
Top