How Do I Find the Missing Values for Unknown Weights in a Pulley System?

  • Thread starter Thread starter fableblue
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Spring
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving for unknown weights in a pulley system using force vectors. The participant initially approached the problem incorrectly by utilizing unit vectors but later realized the solution required a simpler application of trigonometric properties. The professor's method involved sine and cosine functions to determine angles, while the participant used tangent functions, leading to confusion about precision in calculations. Ultimately, the participant successfully completed the problem and shared their solution for further insights.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of force vectors in physics
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions: sine, cosine, and tangent
  • Familiarity with pulley systems and their mechanics
  • Basic problem-solving skills in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of force vectors in different mechanical systems
  • Learn about the principles of trigonometry in physics
  • Explore advanced pulley system problems and solutions
  • Review precision and accuracy in mathematical calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and trigonometry, as well as educators looking for practical examples of problem-solving in pulley systems.

fableblue
Messages
17
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Am I heading in the right direction?
If so i am lost now in finding the missing values for the unknown weights, a little nudge would be great. The work that i have attached is CLEANED up so it can be readable.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


 

Attachments

  • statics.jpg
    statics.jpg
    27.7 KB · Views: 446
  • sts003.pdf
    sts003.pdf
    30.8 KB · Views: 248
Physics news on Phys.org
I finally was able to complete this problem.
First i was going in the wrong direction using unit vectors. I found out that it was a simple force vector problem. Bottom line i was over thing and making it out to be more complicated then it really was, but it was comforting to find out that i was not the only one :-) But anyway I am going to attached my solution. The professor did not use angles in his solution as i did he just used the properties of find the angle sine=opp/hyp and cos=adj/hyp. I used tan to find the angles as you can see. The one that that confuses me is how precise is precise?
Thank youI am new on here and i see that this would be a good place for practice.
 

Attachments

  • Solution002.jpg
    Solution002.jpg
    26.7 KB · Views: 434
Last edited:

Similar threads

Springs and Pulleys - Force analysis
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Absolute motion analysis of pulley-spring system
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Problem with pulleys - two fixed and one movable
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Frequency & Wavelength of a Vibrating Wire
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Trouble understanding the influence of a real spring in a system
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Finding the period of pulley system
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Find Unknown Weight w/ Ideal Spring Problem
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Find the velocity and acceleration of a pulley in a mass-spring system
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Which forces am I missing in the FBDs?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Finding the spring constant of a spring in a pulley system
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K