System of pulleys - General Understanding

You should separate each pulley, and apply the equilibrium condition for each pulley. In summary, the person is pulling the cable with a force T, and to find T, you should apply the equilibrium condition for each pulley and equate it to 0. The last part of the attempt should say T=W/4, which is also the answer given in the book. It is correct to approach pulley system problems by separating each pulley and applying the equilibrium condition for each one. If the cable is coming straight from the ceiling, it will have a force T.
  • #1
ana111790
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Homework Statement


A person is pulling the cable with force T. Find T.
[PLAIN]http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/1959/drawing6pulleys.jpg

Homework Equations


Equilibrium Sum of forces y = 0


The Attempt at a Solution



This is what I did:
[PLAIN]http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7789/drawing6pulleyspart2.jpg The last part should say T=W/4
The answer (T=W/4) is the same at the end of the book but I want to make sure this is the correct way to approach pulley system problems, meaning: separate each pulley, do Sum of forces on each and give the proceeding cable force the same force as the force held bythe previous cable that it's connected to, and if it's coming straight from the ceiling it just has force T? Is this a correct approach?
 
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You are right.
 

FAQ: System of pulleys - General Understanding

What is a system of pulleys?

A system of pulleys is a mechanical device that uses one or more wheels with grooved rims and a rope or chain to change the direction or magnitude of a force applied to an object. It is often used to lift heavy objects or to transmit power.

How does a system of pulleys work?

A system of pulleys works by using the principle of mechanical advantage to distribute the weight of an object over multiple ropes or chains. This reduces the amount of force needed to lift the object, making it easier to lift heavy loads.

What are the components of a system of pulleys?

A system of pulleys typically consists of a fixed pulley, a movable pulley, and a rope or chain. The fixed pulley is attached to a stationary object, while the movable pulley is attached to the object being lifted. The rope or chain is threaded through the pulleys and used to lift the object.

What is mechanical advantage in a system of pulleys?

Mechanical advantage in a system of pulleys refers to the ratio of the output force (the weight of the object being lifted) to the input force (the force applied to the rope or chain). The more pulleys in the system, the greater the mechanical advantage and the easier it is to lift heavy objects.

What are some real-life applications of a system of pulleys?

A system of pulleys is commonly used in construction, transportation, and manufacturing industries to lift and move heavy objects. It is also used in everyday objects such as elevators, cranes, and exercise machines. In addition, pulleys are used in various scientific experiments and demonstrations to showcase the principles of mechanical advantage.

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