How Do You Calculate Tension in a Two-Mass Pulley System?

  • Thread starter Thread starter frosti
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    String Tension
AI Thread Summary
In a two-mass pulley system with a 2.00 kg object on a frictionless table and an 8.00 kg hanging object, the acceleration of both masses is calculated to be 7.84 m/s². The tension in the string is derived from the gravitational force acting on the hanging mass and the acceleration, resulting in a tension of 141.12 N. The calculations confirm that the tension is influenced by the downward acceleration of the 8 kg mass. The original poster expresses confidence in their solution after initially seeking confirmation. The discussion highlights the relationship between mass, acceleration, and tension in pulley systems.
frosti
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A 2.00 kg object placed on a frictionless, horizontal table is connected to a string that passes over a pulley and then is fastened to a hanging 8.00 kg object, as shown in the figure. Find the magnitude of the acceleration of the two objects and the tension in the string.


http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/79/tensionpg7.th.png http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php



The Attempt at a Solution


Through calculation, I know both objects are accelerating at 7.84 m/s2. Since the surface is frictionless, I assume the tension is contributed by the 8kg object accelerating downward and gravitational force. so T= 8 x (9.8+7.84) = 141.12N. Is my answer correct?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
nvm, I got this. Thank you anyway.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Tension in a string which connects 3 pulleys
Replies
12
Views
1K
Tension from two carts & hanging object on pulley
Replies
7
Views
4K
How Do You Calculate the Tension of a Cello String?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Newton’s Law of Motions: tension forces in a pulley
Replies
4
Views
2K
Force applied on the pulley of a system
Replies
8
Views
3K
3 masses and an inclined pulley system
Replies
2
Views
5K
How is tension in a string affected by moment of inertia?
Replies
2
Views
4K
Tension and Acceleration with a Pulley and Two Masses
Replies
7
Views
4K
How Do You Calculate Acceleration in a Two Mass, Two Pulley System?
Replies
6
Views
4K
Calculating Tension with a Centered Object
Replies
6
Views
7K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top