Calculating Tension in a Pulley System with Spring Scales

In summary, a pulley is attached to the ceiling, with spring scale A attached to the wall and a rope running horizontally from it and over the pulley. The same rope is then attached to a spring scale B, with a 120 N weight hanging on the other side of scale B. The pulley is considered mass-less and the weights of the scales are negligible. The scale readings are expected to be the same, either 120N if in series or 60N each if in a parallel arrangement. The pulley is considered irrelevant in this problem and the system can be imagined just hanging from the ceiling. The question also neglects friction in the pulley. Ultimately, this is a statics problem and the tension in the
  • #1
lilkrazyrae
64
0
A pulley is attached to the ceiling. Spring scale A is attached to the wall and a rope runs horizontally form it and over the pulley. The same rope is then attached to a spring scale B. On the other side of scale B hangs a 120 N weight. What are the readings of the two scales A and B? The weights of the scales are negligible.

please help
 
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  • #2
I don't see why the scale readings shouldn't be the same. The pulley is considered mass-less correct?
 
  • #3
Well... If I have pictured it correctly then they would both read 120N

As there are in series so to speak. If they were in a parallel arrangement then it would be 60N each (that is if there were 2 strings holding from the ceiling).

I think the pulley is irrelevant and you could imagine the system just hanging from the ceiling.
 
  • #4
Also, the question neglects friction in the pulley.

This is a statics problem and the question becomes, what can you say about the tension in the string? What is the effect of the pulley?
 
  • #5
thanks that's what i thought also
 

1. What is tension in physics?

Tension in physics refers to the force that is transmitted through a string, rope, cable or any other similar object when it is pulled tight by forces acting on both ends. It is a type of mechanical force that can either stretch or compress an object.

2. What factors affect tension?

The amount of tension in a system is affected by several factors, including the magnitude and direction of the applied forces, the material properties of the object, and the angle at which the forces are applied.

3. How is tension calculated?

Tension is calculated using the formula T = F * cosθ, where T is the tension, F is the applied force, and θ is the angle between the force and the direction of the object. It can also be calculated using the formula T = k * ΔL, where k is the spring constant and ΔL is the change in length of the object.

4. How does tension affect objects?

Tension can affect objects in various ways depending on the material and the magnitude of the force. It can cause objects to stretch, compress, or break. In some cases, tension can also cause objects to vibrate or oscillate.

5. How can tension be useful in everyday life?

Tension plays a crucial role in many everyday activities, such as tying a knot, playing musical instruments, and lifting objects with ropes or cables. It is also essential in structures like bridges and cranes, where tension helps distribute the weight and balance the forces acting on the structure.

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