2 equal masses raised on pulley at constant velocity, what is the force ?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two equal masses being raised on a pulley system at a constant velocity, with one mass moving at twice the speed of the other. Participants are exploring the forces acting on these masses and the implications of their differing velocities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the relationship between the forces acting on the masses and their velocities, questioning how one mass can move faster without an additional force. Other participants suggest considering the role of pulleys and the nature of constant velocity in relation to applied forces.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the implications of the problem, with some providing hints and others reflecting on their understanding. There is recognition of the complexity of the situation, and while one participant claims to have resolved their confusion, the discussion remains open to further exploration of the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

There is an acknowledgment that not all information may have been provided in the original problem statement, which may affect the understanding of the forces and velocities involved.

mldavis086
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Homework Statement



2 equal masses (massA, massB) are raised up a pulley, at a constant velocity. massB has a velocity twice as fast as massA. What is the force acting on these 2 masses?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



If it is a constant velocity, the upwards force must be equal to mg correct? So Fa=mg, Fb=mg. But if this is the case, how is it possible massB moves twice as fast as massA without an additional force acting on it?

I am confused, can anyone out there help me please?
 
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Hint: what do pulleys do? What are they for?

Note: a net zero force is needed to move at any constant speed - so two equal masses can have the same applied force and yet move at different constant speeds. You get different speeds by applying, for eg., the same unbalanced force for different amounts of time. But I don't think they are talking about the force on the mass - but the force applied to the end of the rope.

(However: I don't think all that is all the information you are given.)
 
No it is not all the given info. It was a power question but I got it figured out. I was just confused about the part where it could be any speed. But now it seems like a silly question now that I understand. Thanks though!
 
Once you understand something, earlier confusion often appears silly.
We are all wise in hindsight ;)
Cheers.
 

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