Describe the final position of the weights

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter matrix_204
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Final Position
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving three masses (3 kg, 4 kg, and 5 kg) attached to strings, which are released to reach equilibrium. Participants are trying to clarify the final position of the weights and whether there are any underlying complexities in the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the question, suggesting that if the system is in equilibrium, the weights should be in a still position, but questions if there is a trick involved.
  • Another participant proposes that the question is asking for the angles of the strings and suggests considering how the middle weight's mass affects the angles.
  • A third participant agrees that the weights should be in a still position if they are in equilibrium, questioning the notion of a trick in the problem.
  • One participant finds the question vague, indicating that the only calculable aspect seems to be the angles based on the diagram.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the weights should be in a still position if the system is in equilibrium. However, there is disagreement regarding the clarity of the question and whether it implies any additional complexities.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential vagueness in the problem statement and the reliance on the diagram for interpretation, which may affect participants' understanding of the question.

matrix_204
Messages
99
Reaction score
0
i don't understand this question, it says, three masses of 3 kg, 4kg, and 5kg, are attached to strings as shown in the diagram. The weights are released and the system reaches equilibrium. Describe the final position of the weights.
If it's in equilibrium, the weights are in a still position right. or is there a trick to this problem.
 

Attachments

  • weights.jpg
    weights.jpg
    3 KB · Views: 499
Physics news on Phys.org
They are asking you for the angles og the string. Think what happened if the weight in the middle was much lighter or much heavier: the string would be almost straight or make a smaller angle, respectively. The given weights are enough information for you to calculate all angles in the diagram.
 
originally posted by ahrkron
The weights are released and the system reaches equilibrium. Describe the final position of the weights.
If it's in equilibrium, the weights are in a still position right. or is there a trick to this problem.
I don't see why you would think there is any trick. If the weights weren't in a "still position", it wouldn't make sense to ask you to find "the final position".
 
IMO, the question is vague after looking at the diagram. As ahrkron pointed out, the only thing one could calculate in the angles.

Doug
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K