Calculating Tension + Length of String for Connected Particles

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the tension in a string and determining the length of the string for a system involving two blocks, one on a slope and the other hanging vertically. The scenario includes considerations of friction, acceleration, and the motion of the blocks over time.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the problem setup, including masses, incline angle, and friction coefficient, and asks for the tension in the string and the length of the string after a specified time.
  • Another participant claims to have calculated the tension as T = 10.6 N but expresses confusion regarding the calculation of the string length.
  • Several participants propose a formula for the length of the string based on acceleration and time, suggesting L > (1/2)at².
  • One participant calculates a distance s = 0.43 m but questions whether this was derived using the correct time of 12 seconds or if it was a typo.
  • Another participant confirms the time used for their calculation was 1.2 seconds and reiterates the distance of s = 0.43 m.
  • There is a mention of a textbook answer of 0.66 m, leading to confusion about how this value was derived, with one participant suggesting it might involve adding distances.
  • Participants express skepticism about the textbook answer, questioning the logic behind the calculations and the implications of the two blocks' positions at the end of the motion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct length of the string, with multiple competing views on the calculations and the reasoning behind the textbook answer. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct interpretation of the results.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the assumptions made in the calculations, particularly regarding the time used and the interpretation of the distances involved in the motion of the blocks.

Shah 72
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A block of mass 4kg is held on a rough slope that is inclined at 30 degree to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction between the slope and the block is 0.2. A light inextensible string is attached to the block and runs parallel to the slope to pass over a small smooth pulley fixed at the top of the slope. The other end of the string hangs vertically with a block of mass 1kg attached to the other end. The system is released from rest.
a) work out the tension in the string.
After 12s the block of mass 4kg reaches the bottom of the slope. The other block has not yet reached the pulley.
b) work out a lower bound for the length of the string giving your ans to 2 sf
 
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Shah 72 said:
A block of mass 4kg is held on a rough slope that is inclined at 30 degree to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction between the slope and the block is 0.2. A light inextensible string is attached to the block and runs parallel to the slope to pass over a small smooth pulley fixed at the top of the slope. The other end of the string hangs vertically with a block of mass 1kg attached to the other end. The system is released from rest.
a) work out the tension in the string.
After 1.2s the block of mass 4kg reaches the bottom of the slope. The other block has not yet reached the pulley.
b) work out a lower bound for the length of the string giving your ans to 2 sf
I got the ans for (a) which is T= 10.6
I don't understand how to calculate (b)
 
Last edited:
$L > \dfrac{1}{2}at^2$
 
skeeter said:
$L > \dfrac{1}{2}at^2$
T= 10.6N, a=-0.6m/s^2, I get s=0.43
 
Shah 72 said:
T= 10.6N, a=-0.6m/s^2, I get s=0.43

s= 0.43 ?

you calculated that value using t = 12 seconds, or was that a typo in your original post?
 
skeeter said:
s= 0.43 ?

you calculated that value using t = 12 seconds, or was that a typo in your original post?
I calculated using t=1.2s
 
skeeter said:
s= 0.43 ?

you calculated that value using t = 12 seconds, or was that a typo in your original post?
Iam sorry that was a typo error. t= 1.2 s not 12s
 
skeeter said:
s= 0.43 ?

you calculated that value using t = 12 seconds, or was that a typo in your original post?
Iam getting the ans of s=0.43 m but the ans in the textbook is 0.66m
 
Per my calculations, the 4kg mass moves a distance of 0.44 m.

If that is also the length of the incline, then the height of the incline is 0.22 m.

The only way I can explain the “text” answer is that the two were added, yielding 0.66 m, which doesn’t make much sense to me. That would essentially say the small mass is still at the bottom of the vertical edge of the incline when the large mass is at the bottom of the slanted part of the incline … go figure :rolleyes:
 
  • #10
skeeter said:
Per my calculations, the 4kg mass moves a distance of 0.44 m.

If that is also the length of the incline, then the height of the incline is 0.22 m.

The only way I can explain the “text” answer is that the two were added, yielding 0.66 m, which doesn’t make much sense to me. That would essentially say the small mass is still at the bottom of the vertical edge of the incline when the large mass is at the bottom of the slanted part of the incline … go figure :rolleyes:
I agree with you. Thank you so much.
 

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