Calculating Mass in Box 3 of a Pulley System

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the mass in box 3 of a pulley system where box 1 has a mass of 35 kg and the middle box has a mass of 95 kg. The key conclusion is that since the middle box remains motionless, the forces acting on the system must be balanced. Therefore, the mass in box 3 can be determined by ensuring that the tension in the rope is equal on both sides, leading to the equation: mass in box 3 = mass in box 1 + mass in the middle box. This results in box 3 needing to have a mass of 60 kg to maintain equilibrium.

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Henrybar
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Question Summarized:
The box in the middle is remains motionless; how much mass was placed in box 3?

box 1: 35kg
middle box: 95 kg
box 3: ? kg

Attempt at the problem:

attempt.png
 
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It would be easier for us if you typed your attempt here.

Check your answer with a calculation for the left mass. Do you see a problem?

The problem statement says the middle mass remains motionless, this does not have to be true for the other masses.
 
Henrybar said:
Question Summarized:
The box in the middle is remains motionless; how much mass was placed in box 3?

box 1: 35kg
middle box: 95 kg
box 3: ? kg

you should consider that boxes 1 and 3 might not be at rest.
 

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