Finding tension in a rope problem

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    Rope Tension
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 60kg man climbing a rope connected to a pulley, with a 100kg block on the other side. The goal is to determine the tension in the rope.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Newton's second law and the forces acting on both the climber and the block. There are questions about the inclusion of an additional force in the equations and the correctness of the setup.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on simplifying the equations and clarifying the forces involved. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct application of Newton's laws without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are examining the assumptions made in the problem setup, particularly regarding the forces acting on both the climber and the block, as well as the implications of including an extra force in the equations.

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Homework Statement


A 60kg man is climbing a rope that is connected to a pulley and on the other side the rope is connected to a 100kg block. what is the tension in the rope?

Homework Equations


T-mg+F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


this was my attempt:
Mg-T-F=Ma;
adding the equations;
I get a=0.4
T+F=60(g+a)
=840N
but the answer is wrong. where did i go wrong??
 
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What's that extra F doing in there? You have two cases: The block and the climber.

Draw free body diagrams. There are two forces acting on both the block and the climber. They will both fight against each other to equal the Net force = m*a. Create a system of equations.
 
for the man it is:
T-mg+F=ma
for the block:
Mg-T-F=Ma

is that correct?
 
Oh I see what you're doing now.

Newton's second law states that F_{net} = m \cdot a for the case of a rope problem, the net force IS the combination of tension and weight. Get rid of the extra F in there and you are right.
 
ah! got it. thank you so much!
 

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