Atwood Machine Massive Pulley

In summary, a net torque is required for a pulley to rotate, which can only happen if the tension forces are different. The mass 1 will accelerate upwards and mass 2 will accelerate downwards, with T1 being greater than mAg and T2 being less than mBg. However, the identity of A and B is unknown, but the concept is correct. A drawing and free-body diagrams should be made to clarify further.
  • #1
solarcat
22
3
Homework Statement
There is a massive pulley that can rotate that has two masses (mass 1 on the left is less than mass 2 on the right). The system starts at rest and the masses have potential energy. Will the tension force be greater on the right side or left side?
Relevant Equations
Torque = Force*Distance
Net Torque on Pulley = Moment of Inertia of Pulley * Angular Acceleration of Pulley
A net torque is required to make the pull rotate, so this can only occur if the tension forces differ. I know mass 1 will accelerate upwards and mass 2 will accelerate downwards, so T1>mAg and T2<mBg. But I don't know where to go from there.
 
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  • #2
I don't know which is A and which is B, but the idea is ok. Make a drawing and make free-body diagrans
 
  • #3
241651
 
  • #4
solarcat said:
A net torque is required to make the pull rotate, so this can only occur if the tension forces differ
Right, so what is the net torque? Which way will the pulley accelerate?
(I don't see how mpg is relevant.)
 

What is an Atwood Machine Massive Pulley?

An Atwood Machine Massive Pulley is a simple machine consisting of a large pulley with a massive weight attached and two smaller weights connected by a string that runs over the pulley. It is used to demonstrate the principles of mechanical advantage and acceleration due to gravity.

How does an Atwood Machine Massive Pulley work?

The Atwood Machine Massive Pulley works by utilizing the difference in weight between the two smaller weights. When one weight is heavier than the other, it will cause the pulley to rotate and the heavier weight will accelerate towards the ground. This creates tension in the string connecting the two weights, causing the lighter weight to accelerate in the opposite direction.

What is the purpose of using a massive pulley in an Atwood Machine?

The massive pulley in an Atwood Machine serves to increase the mechanical advantage of the machine. The larger the pulley, the greater the difference in weight between the two smaller weights needs to be in order for the machine to work. This allows for a more dramatic demonstration of the principles of mechanical advantage and acceleration due to gravity.

What are the applications of an Atwood Machine Massive Pulley?

An Atwood Machine Massive Pulley is commonly used in physics classrooms to demonstrate concepts such as mechanical advantage and acceleration due to gravity. It can also be used in engineering settings to understand the principles of pulleys and how they can be used to increase force or change direction of motion.

How does the mass of the pulley affect the Atwood Machine?

The mass of the pulley in an Atwood Machine does not affect the overall function of the machine. The key factor is the difference in weight between the two smaller weights, not the weight of the pulley itself. However, a heavier pulley may affect the acceleration and overall movement of the weights due to its own inertia and friction.

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