Tension and Weight Comparison in Hanging Object System

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In summary, the tension in the rope is greater than the weight of the hanging block, so the block is accelerated to the right.
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Heat
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Homework Statement



A light rope is attached to a block with mass 3.70kg that rests on a frictionless, horizontal surface. The horizontal rope passes over a frictionless, massless pulley, and a block with mass m is suspended from the other end. When the blocks are released, the tension in the rope is 18.9N.

What is the acceleration of either block?
Find the mass m of the hanging block.
How does the tension compare to the weight of the hanging block?


Homework Equations



F=ma
w=ma

The Attempt at a Solution



After reading the textbook (University Physics), I was able to determine that in a similar problem, that the had these two equations.

T =m1a
m2g -T = m2a

They eliminated T and getting, m2g=m1a+m2a = (m1+m2)a.

In this problem the tension is given.

So.

18.9 = 3.7 (a)
m2(9.8) - 18.9 = m2(a)

we want a, so we need to solve for it.

Thus far we got that
18.9/3.7 = a = 5.11.now we want mass, we plug it in into the second equation.
9.8m_2 - 18.9 = 5.11m_2
-18.9 = -4.69m_2
m_2 = 4.03 kg.

Is this how on should solve it. I already drew the free body diagram in which for the 3.70kg object there are three forces, normal and weight which are equally the same and tension to the right which is a bigger force. Hence it is moving the right.

For the object hanging there is smaller tension force, and larger weight force, this is because the object on the horizontal is moving to the right, and thus means that there must be enough weight hanging for it to move.

but now, if all is right above (including logic), then how do I calculate the following..

How does the tension compare to the weight of the hanging block? :(
 
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  • #2
everything looks right. just calculate the weight of the hanging block... you have the mass already... where are you getting stuck?
 
  • #3
got it, I figured just checking to see if all my previous work was correct. :)thank you learningphysics.
 

What is "Hanging Object Tension"?

"Hanging Object Tension" refers to the force applied to an object that is suspended from a higher point by a rope, string, or other similar material. It is the tension that is created in the material due to the weight of the object pulling down on it.

How is "Hanging Object Tension" calculated?

The formula for calculating "Hanging Object Tension" is T = mg + ma, where T is the tension, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), and a is the acceleration of the object (if it is moving).

What factors can affect "Hanging Object Tension"?

Several factors can affect "Hanging Object Tension", including the weight and mass of the object, the length and strength of the suspending material, and the angle at which the object is suspended. Other factors such as air resistance may also play a role.

How does "Hanging Object Tension" impact the stability of the object?

"Hanging Object Tension" plays a crucial role in determining the stability of an object. If the tension is too low, the object may fall or swing uncontrollably. On the other hand, if the tension is too high, the object may break or damage the material suspending it.

How is "Hanging Object Tension" used in real-life applications?

"Hanging Object Tension" is an important concept in engineering and construction, as it helps determine the appropriate materials and design for structures such as bridges and suspension cables. It is also used in the design of pulley systems and cranes, where the tension in the ropes or cables is crucial for lifting and moving heavy objects.

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