How Do Forces and Tension Interact in Pulley Systems?

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The discussion focuses on understanding the interaction of forces and tension in pulley systems, particularly in two specific physics problems. The first question addresses the relationship between the force exerted by a person pushing a pulley and the tension in the rope, with confusion surrounding how horizontal forces can affect vertical movement. The second question seeks clarification on how a horizontal force can lift an object vertically, with attempts to calculate necessary forces and angles. The participant expresses difficulty in visualizing the concepts and drawing free body diagrams, indicating a need for clearer explanations and guidance on problem-solving strategies. Overall, the thread highlights common challenges in applying physics concepts to pulley systems and the importance of detailed problem breakdowns for effective learning.
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Physics 12U - 2 Force Problems

Homework Statement


See attachment.

I am very confused with these two questions.

Question 1: I understand how to do the pulley. Would the force the guy at the top is being pulled at be the same as the force with which the guy needs to push with? How does a horizontal push stop something from falling?

Attempt:
FnetJOE = Ft, FnetBRIAN = -Ft + FgBRIAN.
a1 = mBRIAN*g / (mJOE + mBRIAN)
a1 = 4.2m/s/s

Ft = mJOE*a
Ft = 336N

I get stuck here, would the push require the same force as tension or same acceleration? Any hints?
Also why does it matter about the mass of the pusher (JOE)?

This part below I do not know if it is right or not (equal accelerations):
The pusher must accelerate the box at 4.2m/s/s, the mass is equal to the total mass of box + the two others in contact.

Fnet = mBox+John+Brian*a
Fnet = 588N

Question 2: I do not understand at all. How does a horizontal force lift something vertically?

Attempt:
FgB = mB*g
FgB = 980N

This part below I do not know if it is right or not:
For the barrel to move up, it needs a force of 980N+, but for minimum I stick to 980N.

Where the pipe touches the Barrel is 0.25m of the ground. From this point I make a triangle from point of contact to middle, being 1m (diameter = 2m), I treat this as hypotnuse and 0.75m as opposite side. From this I get an angle.

θ = sin-1(1/0.75)
θ = 48.6°

Now I use this angle with the vertical component being 980 (opposite side), and find horizontal component.

adj = 980 / (tan48.6)
adj = 864N
 

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umaza said:

Homework Statement


See attachment

I am very confused with these questions.

Question 1: I understand how to do the pulley, but when I get its acceleration it is 4.2m/s/s, but then the force of tension is different. Would the force the guy at the top is being pulled at be the same as the force with which the guy needs to push with? How does a horizontal push stop something from falling?

Question 2: I do not understand at all. How does a horizontal force lift something vertically?

Question 3: I get how the weights are different, but after that I am stuck. Would they have constant velocity?

Question 4: I am having troubles with drawing the FBD and how does the incline affect the weight when the person is on a horizontal surface?

Question 5: The force he pulls with must be half of gravity because he is aided when he pushes down on the rope, but would he pull down on 20m of rope or would he pull on 40m of rope?
Hello umaza. Welcome to PF !

You might have better luck posting only one or two questions per thread. (That's a rule for this Forum.)

Also, you need to be more detailed about your progress toward solutions so we can give more meaningful responses.
 
Thanks, it is great to be here.

The problem is that I do not know where to start I am really stuck. What I was looking for was really an explanation of the concepts and to know where to start. All other homework questions I was given I did with ease, but with these problems I am finding there is too little information.

The only formula that comes to mind for these questions is F = ma.

And about how many questions, did you mean only 1 to 2 problems or 1 to 2 help questions.

Thanks for advice, I got rid of three questions and have listed one attempt for both.
 
Last edited:
Anyone? Should I post the actual question on post?
 
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