Calculating Tension in a Pulley System with Three Masses

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in a pulley system involving three masses (M1, M2, M3) under ideal conditions. The user derived the inequality 2M3 > M1 + 0.5M2 to determine when mass M3 will descend. The tension formula proposed is T=(M1g + 0.5M2g + M3g)/3, which requires validation. The key takeaway is the relationship between the masses and the conditions for M3's movement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of tension in ropes and pulleys
  • Familiarity with gravitational force calculations (g)
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic inequalities
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of tension in multi-mass pulley systems
  • Study the implications of frictionless and mass-less assumptions in physics
  • Explore advanced pulley systems with varying mass distributions
  • Learn about equilibrium conditions in static systems
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Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone studying dynamics in pulley systems will benefit from this discussion.

Anza Power
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We have the following system in ideal condition (pulleys and rope are mass-less and frictionless)

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We need to find the conditions in which M3 will go downwards...

Ok so here's what I did:

M3g > T

And this is what I'm not sure of:
T=(M1g + 0.5M2g + M3g)/3

So the answer which I came to was:

2M3 > M1 + 0.5M2

But I'm a bit unsure, did I go wrong? how do I approach this question and how do I calculate the tension in the rope?
 
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I am sorry to bump this but can someone just tell me if the tension calculation is right? I just need to know how to find the tension and I can solve everything (there are other parts in this question)
 

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