Frictionless pulley Forces Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving forces in a system with a man and a sandbag connected by a rope over a frictionless pulley. The original poster seeks to determine the speed at which the man hits the ground after lowering himself from a height of 10.0m, starting from rest.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up equations for the net forces acting on both the man and the sandbag, leading to a calculation of tension and acceleration. Some participants question the accuracy of the tension value calculated by the original poster.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in checking calculations and correcting errors. A revised tension value and acceleration have been provided, indicating a productive direction in the discussion. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final outcome of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of calculation errors and adjustments made by participants, highlighting the iterative nature of problem-solving in this context.

ubiquinone
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Hi there, I'm new to this forum but I'm very interested in maths and physics. I look forward to learning from the people here and hear some of your insights. Today I have a question involving forces. I've finished the problem and I was just wondering if anyone here may please check if it is correct. Thanks!

Question: An [tex]85kg[/tex] man lowers himself to the ground from a height of [tex]10.0m[/tex] by holding onto a rope that runs over a frictionless pulley to a [tex]65kg[/tex] sandbag. With what speed does the man hit the ground if he started from rest?
If we begin by looking at the sac and the person separately we could set up two equations that describe the net force that is acting on them.
For the sac: [tex]\displaystyle F_{net_{sac}}=F_T-65g=65a[/tex]
For the body: [tex]\displaystyle F_{net_{body}}=F_T-85g=85a[/tex]
Since the magnitude of the acceleration, [tex]a[/tex] is equal for the sac and the body but opposite in direction, we can say,
[tex]\displaystyle\frac{F_T-65g}{65}=-\left(\frac{F_T-85g}{85}\right)[/tex]
Solving, [tex]F_T=58.93N[/tex]
Therefore, [tex]\displaystyle a=-\left(\frac{58.93-85g}{85}\right)=9.106m/s^2[/tex]
To find the man's final velocity, we can use the formula [tex]v^2=v_1^2+2ad[/tex] where [tex]v_1=0.0m/s[/tex], [tex]a=9.106m/s^2[/tex] and [tex]d=10.0m[/tex]
Thus, [tex]v_2=\sqrt{2(9.106m/s^2)(10.0m)}=13.5m/s[/tex]
 
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You'll need to check your working for F_T. It's about 700+ N, not 58.93 N.
 
Hi, thanks Fermat for replying. Yes, I made a calculation errror. [tex]F_T=721.93N[/tex]. Therefore [tex]a=1.30m/s^2[/tex].
Substituting into the formula [tex]v_2=\sqrt{2(1.30m/s^2)(10.0m)}=5.11m/s[/tex]
 
yep that's it!
 

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