How Can We Understand the Mechanics of a Pulley System?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter clz2
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the mechanics of pulley systems, specifically focusing on the mechanical advantage provided by different configurations of pulleys. Participants explore the implications of single and double pulleys and their respective rope lengths.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the mechanics of pulleys and seeks clarification on how they function.
  • Another participant explains that two single pulleys create three lengths of rope, resulting in a mechanical advantage of three.
  • A further explanation suggests that two double pulleys would yield six lengths of rope, thus providing a mechanical advantage of six.
  • One participant notes that a single pulley may or may not provide a mechanical advantage and advises drawing the system for better understanding.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the explanation of the pulley system and requests a visual representation to clarify the mechanics described.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the mechanics of the pulley systems, as there are differing interpretations and requests for clarification on the explanations provided.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the descriptions of pulley configurations, and some assumptions about the setup may not be fully articulated.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in mechanical systems, physics students, or those seeking to understand the principles of pulleys and mechanical advantage may find this discussion relevant.

clz2
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How is this possible? Someone tell me please.
 
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2 single pulleys means 3 lengths of rope (one side to first pulley, first pulley to second pulley, second pulley to second side), hence a mechanical advantage of 3.

2 double pulleys has twice the number of lengths of ropes, so we have 6 lengths of rope, and therefore a mechanical advangtage of 6.

cookiemonster
 
A single pulley by itself may or may not provide a mechanical advantage. My advice o you, clz2 - draw it.
 
Cookiemonster,
Can you draw out your description? I am having trouble following the wording. I thought I understood what you said, but when I try to sketch it myself, I am a bit confused. I think that one side of the rope is attaching to the center of pulley one.
 

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