How Do You Calculate Tension in a Pulley System with Two Masses?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in a pulley system involving two masses: 10 kg and 5 kg, connected by a cable over a massless, frictionless pulley. The correct approach involves applying Newton's second law (F = ma) to derive the tension. The tension above the 5 kg mass is calculated by considering the gravitational forces acting on both masses and setting up equations based on their free body diagrams. The final tension value is determined by solving the system of equations derived from the free body diagrams.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Knowledge of free body diagrams (FBD)
  • Basic principles of pulley systems
  • Ability to solve simultaneous equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study how to draw and analyze free body diagrams for various systems
  • Learn about the dynamics of pulley systems with multiple masses
  • Explore the concept of tension in different mechanical contexts
  • Practice solving problems involving Newton's laws in two-dimensional motion
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for examples of tension calculations in pulley systems.

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Homework Statement


Sorry to be posting here but trying to look for previous similar questions I just managed to baffle me further!
This is just me trying to revise and came across this..

Two masses of 10 kg and 5 kg are joined by a cable and placed over a massless frictionless pulley as shown in the diagram. Find the Tension.

http___moodlebcuacuk_tee_pluginfile.png

Homework Equations



F= ma

The Attempt at a Solution



Mass A = 10kg x gravity
= 98.1 N

Mass B = 49.05 N

So I end up getting the tension above B as 49.05 from 98.1 - 49.05..

Know that isn't right..
Any help would be brilliant
 
Last edited:
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tsurugi-ijin said:

Homework Statement


Sorry to be posting here but trying to look for previous similar questions I just managed to baffle me further!
This is just me trying to revise and came across this..

Two masses of 10 kg and 5 kg are joined by a cable and placed over a massless frictionless pulley as shown in the diagram. Find the Tension.

http___moodlebcuacuk_tee_pluginfile.png



Homework Equations



F= ma

The Attempt at a Solution



Mass A = 10kg x gravity
= 98.1 N

Mass B = 49.05 N

So I end up getting the tension above B as 49.05 from 98.1 - 49.05..

Know that isn't right..
Any help would be brilliant

Draw a Free Body Diagram for each mass. Write an expression for the acceleration of each mass from the FBD (should include a term for the tension in each case). Solve the equations.
 

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