Calculate Tension: Mass, Examples, How To

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating tension in a system involving masses and strings, particularly in the context of equilibrium and force resolution. Participants are exploring the necessary information and methods to approach such problems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to resolve forces in equilibrium situations and the potential use of simultaneous equations. There are suggestions to consult elementary physics textbooks for foundational concepts, as well as questions about specific setups like pulley systems.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various participants offering guidance on foundational concepts and methods for analyzing tension. There is no explicit consensus, but multiple approaches and resources are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the importance of understanding Newton's Laws and the mathematical skills required, such as familiarity with algebra and calculus. There is also a note about the potential complexity introduced by acceleration in certain systems.

preet
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Can anyone direct me to a website or something that deals with tension, some examples and how to calculate it? I don't get it... like if you have a mass held up by two strings what information do you need to calculate the mass, and how do you go about doing it? Thanks!
 
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If the system is in equilibrium, then you just need to resolve forces horizontally and vertically and then that will give you a set of simultaneous equations to solve.
 
You should probably consider reading a very elementary textbook on general physics (or mechanics such as Resnick and Halliday/Sears+Zemansky, etc.) There are websites on the internet but all you need is a proper conceptual understanding of Newton's Laws and (in some cases) a certain degree of mathematical familiarity with things like simultaneous equations, algebra and calculus. Have a look at www.lightandmatter.com for some help.
 
Are you talking about a pulley system?

If you have acceleration, you can create two forces equations for both masses. Then you add them (or w/e else u want) to equate them and solve for m2.
 

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