Pulling a Thread Attached to Weight

In summary, the conversation discusses the force diagram for a weight hanging on two strings and being pulled by a person's hand. The diagram would show tension forces acting upwards and downwards on the weight, as well as the weight's own weight force. The force of the person's hand is not directly affecting the weight. The equation F_t2 - F_t1 + mg = ma may be used to calculate the forces.
  • #1
Soaring Crane
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Suppose in a scenario a weight is hanging on a string from a rod. There is a second string at the end of the weight:

------rod---------
______|___thread1
------weight-----
-------|---thread 2

Now suppose a person's hand pulls on the bottom string.

How would the force diagram be drawn? There is a force of tension above the weight, but what about the others forces (like the 1 below the weight)? What is going on? Please help with the other force(s).

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
You're looking for a force diagram for the weight? Well, think about it: the string above the weight is pulling upward. The string below the weight is pulling downward. And there is one more downward force on the weight, but that one should be obvious.

I suppose you're worried about the force of the person's hand? Well, that person isn't pulling on the weight, is he? He's pulling on the string.
 
  • #3
There is a tension force say T1 in thread one. T1 acts upwards on the weight while its weight force acts down. There is a tension T2 in the thread 2. T2 acts downwards on the mass (incidentally, T2 is the applied force). So the mass is being acted upon by the following forces:

T1 upwards
T2 downwards
W (its weight) downwards.

Hope that helps. Now please go ahead and draw a freebody diagram to understand this. When in doubt, draw a diagram and consider your system sectionwise accounting for all the forces that you can think of.

Cheers
vivek
 
  • #4
So is F_t2 - F_t1 + mg = ma correct?
 

FAQ: Pulling a Thread Attached to Weight

1. What is the concept behind pulling a thread attached to weight?

The concept behind pulling a thread attached to weight is based on the principles of force and motion. When a force is applied to an object with mass, it will accelerate in the direction of the force. In this case, the weight attached to the thread provides the force, and the thread acts as a pulley to transfer this force to the object being pulled.

2. How does the weight of the object affect the pulling force?

The weight of the object being pulled will affect the pulling force required. The greater the weight of the object, the more force will be needed to overcome its inertia and move it. This is why it is important to consider the weight of the object when pulling a thread attached to weight.

3. What happens if the thread breaks while pulling a weight?

If the thread breaks while pulling a weight, the weight will no longer be able to exert force on the object being pulled. This may cause the object to stop moving or change direction, depending on the forces acting on it. It is important to use a strong and durable thread when pulling a weight to avoid this situation.

4. Can pulling a thread attached to weight be used to lift objects?

Yes, pulling a thread attached to weight can be used to lift objects. By pulling the thread in an upward direction, the weight attached to it will provide an upward force, allowing the object to be lifted. This is the principle behind using pulleys in lifting systems.

5. Are there any safety precautions to consider when pulling a thread attached to weight?

Yes, there are some safety precautions to consider when pulling a thread attached to weight. It is important to ensure that the weight and object being pulled are properly secured and will not fall or cause harm to anyone. It is also important to use caution and proper technique to avoid injury when pulling heavy weights.

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