Understanding Pulleys, Strings, and Tensions: Common Doubts and Clarifications

Thread starter Tanya Sharma
Start date Jun 11, 2013
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Pulley Tension

In summary, the doubts regarding pulley,strings and tensions are:1)Can a massless pulley rotate?Yes. Just like a massless string can accelerate with zero net force .The same way a massless pulley can rotate with zero net torque.2)Is tension in a massless string always same when it moves over a pulley?The string may be slipping(not sufficient friction) or not slipping(sufficient friction,so moving along with the rotating pulley).3)If the pulley is massless and the string is not massless,what are the tensions on the two sides?The tensions at the end

Aug 25, 2013

Tanya Sharma

Thank you jbriggs

<h2> What is a pulley and how does it work?</h2><p>A pulley is a simple machine that consists of a wheel with a grooved rim and a rope or cable wrapped around it. It is used to change the direction of a force, making it easier to lift or move heavy objects. When a force is applied to one end of the rope, the pulley rotates and the object attached to the other end of the rope is lifted.</p><h2> How many types of pulleys are there?</h2><p>There are three main types of pulleys: fixed, movable, and compound. A fixed pulley is attached to a stationary surface and only changes the direction of the force. A movable pulley is attached to the object being lifted and moves along with it. A compound pulley is a combination of fixed and movable pulleys that allows for a greater mechanical advantage.</p><h2> What is the difference between tension and weight?</h2><p>Tension is the force exerted by a string or rope when it is pulled from both ends. It is always directed along the length of the string and is equal at both ends. Weight, on the other hand, is the force exerted by an object due to gravity. It is always directed towards the center of the earth and can vary depending on the mass of the object and the strength of gravity.</p><h2> How does the number of pulleys affect the mechanical advantage?</h2><p>The more pulleys a system has, the greater the mechanical advantage. This is because each additional pulley reduces the amount of force needed to lift an object. For example, a system with two pulleys will have a mechanical advantage of 2, meaning that the force needed to lift an object is half of its weight.</p><h2> Can a string or rope break under tension?</h2><p>Yes, a string or rope can break under tension if the force applied to it is greater than its tensile strength. Tensile strength is the maximum amount of stress a material can withstand before breaking. It is important to use the appropriate type and thickness of string or rope for the amount of weight being lifted to avoid breakage.</p>

FAQ: Understanding Pulleys, Strings, and Tensions: Common Doubts and Clarifications

What is a pulley and how does it work?

A pulley is a simple machine that consists of a wheel with a grooved rim and a rope or cable wrapped around it. It is used to change the direction of a force, making it easier to lift or move heavy objects. When a force is applied to one end of the rope, the pulley rotates and the object attached to the other end of the rope is lifted.

How many types of pulleys are there?

There are three main types of pulleys: fixed, movable, and compound. A fixed pulley is attached to a stationary surface and only changes the direction of the force. A movable pulley is attached to the object being lifted and moves along with it. A compound pulley is a combination of fixed and movable pulleys that allows for a greater mechanical advantage.

What is the difference between tension and weight?

Tension is the force exerted by a string or rope when it is pulled from both ends. It is always directed along the length of the string and is equal at both ends. Weight, on the other hand, is the force exerted by an object due to gravity. It is always directed towards the center of the earth and can vary depending on the mass of the object and the strength of gravity.

How does the number of pulleys affect the mechanical advantage?

The more pulleys a system has, the greater the mechanical advantage. This is because each additional pulley reduces the amount of force needed to lift an object. For example, a system with two pulleys will have a mechanical advantage of 2, meaning that the force needed to lift an object is half of its weight.

Can a string or rope break under tension?

Yes, a string or rope can break under tension if the force applied to it is greater than its tensile strength. Tensile strength is the maximum amount of stress a material can withstand before breaking. It is important to use the appropriate type and thickness of string or rope for the amount of weight being lifted to avoid breakage.