Calculate Tension of Rope for 0.5kg Mass Dropped 0.5m in 1.5s

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the tension in a rope supporting a 0.5 kg mass that falls 0.5 meters in 1.5 seconds. The context includes concepts of forces, tension, weight, and acceleration due to gravity.

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Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between tension, weight, and acceleration, with some attempting to derive the tension using different equations. Questions arise about the correctness of the calculations and assumptions made regarding the direction of forces.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided calculations for the tension, with some expressing uncertainty about their results. There is an ongoing exploration of the equations involved, and some guidance has been offered regarding the correct approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of defining the direction of forces and acceleration in their calculations. There is also mention of the need to clarify the setup of the problem and the assumptions being made.

brenfox
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Homework Statement


a mass of 0.5kg is suspended from a flywheel. if the mass is released from rest and falls a distance of 0.5m in 1.5s, calculate : The tension in the rope. acceleration is 0.444ms-2.


Homework Equations


t-w = -ma


The Attempt at a Solution



t = m(ag)

t = 0.5(0.4444=9.81)

t = 5.127n

w = mg = 0.5x9.81 4.9n

so t-w 0.227n is rope tension.

Check by inserting numbers into equation of t-w = -ma

so: 5.127 - 4.905 = 0.5 x 0.222.

The last equation doesn`t marry up?
 
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The tension in the rope is:

T = m(g - a) = 0,5(9,81 - 0,44)

or...?
 
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If you had the mass just sitting there with no acceleration then it would be simply T=mg
Since it's accelerating you have to subtract the force acting on it from the acceleration that it is going at which is F=ma so therefore:
T=mg-ma=m(g-a)=0.5(9.81-0.444)=4.683N should be your answer?
 
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From the beginning

t-w = -ma

t=m(g-a) = 0.5(9.81-0.44)

= 4.683n so t = 4.683n

w=mg so w = 0.5x9.81 = 4.905n

S0 t-w = -ma

Checking... 4.683-4.905 = -0.5 x 0.444

Correct... i think.
 
brenfox said:

Homework Statement


a mass of 0.5kg is suspended from a flywheel. if the mass is released from rest and falls a distance of 0.5m in 1.5s, calculate : The tension in the rope. acceleration is 0.444ms-2.


Homework Equations


t-w = -ma


The Attempt at a Solution



t = m(ag)

t = 0.5(0.4444=9.81)

t = 5.127n

w = mg = 0.5x9.81 4.9n

so t-w 0.227n is rope tension.

Check by inserting numbers into equation of t-w = -ma

so: 5.127 - 4.905 = 0.5 x 0.222.

The last equation doesn`t marry up?

It is convenient to denote the positive direction in the direction of acceleration. In this case, the mass accelerates downwards so take down to be positive. This gives mg - T = ma. Solving gives T = m(g-a). It is difficult to see where you went wrong in your attempt.
 

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