Calculating Tension and Friction in a Pulley System

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating tension and friction in a pulley system involving two masses: Mass1 (0.750 kg) and Mass2 (0.52 kg) with a frictional force (Fk) of 2.1 N. The equations used include F=ma and T + m2g - fk = (m1 + m2)a. The calculated tension (T) was found to be 4.4 N, while the expected answer was 4.2 N, indicating a potential error in the calculations. Participants emphasized the importance of drawing a diagram to visualize the forces acting on each mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F=ma)
  • Knowledge of tension and friction forces in mechanics
  • Ability to set up and solve equations involving multiple masses
  • Familiarity with free-body diagrams for visualizing forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of equations for tension in pulley systems
  • Learn how to create and analyze free-body diagrams
  • Study the effects of friction on motion in mechanical systems
  • Explore advanced topics in dynamics, such as systems with multiple pulleys
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for examples of tension and friction calculations in pulley systems.

LiFK
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Pulley Tension friction help??

Homework Statement



6533043261_33117fa1e7.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/72384417@N06/6533043261/ by LiFK1, on Flickr

Mass1 = 0.750 kg
Mass2 = 0.52 kg
Fk=2.1 N
g= 9.8 N


Homework Equations



F=ma
Mass1(gravity)= (Mass1+mass2)Acceleration
T + m2g - fk = (m1 + m2)a

The Attempt at a Solution


Mass1(gravity)= (Mass1+mass2)Acceleration
7.35=(0.750kg+0.52kg)A
5.787 N = A

T + m2g - fk = (m1 + m2)a
T + 0.52kg(9.8)-2.1=1.27(5.78)
T = 4.35 N
rounded up T = 4.4N

Apparently the answer to this is 4.2 N, but i can't seem to get it.
Can someone tell me what I am doing wrong?
thanks in advance.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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You should draw a diagram showing the forces acting on each object.
The weight has 2 forces it's weight = 0.75 x 9.81 and the tension in the string
The cart has 2 forces the tension in the string and friction.
If you look at these 2 situations you should get 2 equations that enable you to calculate the acceleration and the Tension in the string.
Hope this helps.
 

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