How Does a Pulley System Affect Scale Readings?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the effects of a pulley system on scale readings when a child holds a rope connected to a 50N mass via a spring. In static mode, the scale will display 650N due to the tension in the rope counteracting part of the child's weight (700N). When the child pulls the rope to lift the mass, the scale reading decreases further as the tension increases, resulting in a lower weight measurement. The presence of the spring introduces dynamic responses, but the tension remains consistent regardless of whether the mass is directly attached to the rope or suspended by the spring.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static and dynamic forces
  • Basic knowledge of tension in ropes and pulleys
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Concept of spring dynamics and elasticity
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the principles of static equilibrium in physics
  • Learn about the mechanics of pulleys and their applications
  • Investigate the behavior of springs under tension
  • Study the effects of dynamic forces on scale measurements
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of force and tension in pulley systems.

orazon
Messages
4
Reaction score
1
Homework Statement
Impact of pulling a rope connected to a mass through a pulley on the weight reading of that person
Relevant Equations
Pulleys, Springs
A kid is standing on a scale and holding a rope that goes through a pulley, on the other side the rope is connected to a spring and then to a 50N mass item.
Assume that the kid's weight is 700N
1. While in static mode - what will the scale show?
2. The kid is now pulling the rope to get the mass higher from the floor - what will be the impact on the scale measurement?



scale.jpg
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1. While in static mode, I believe that the scale will show 650 N as the Tension on the rope will counter some of the gravity force
2. While pulling the rope, the scale will show an even lower weight as the Tension in the rope will increase (even though the mass is moving) so the counter-force on gravity will be even higher.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: PeroK
orazon said:
2. While pulling the rope, the scale will show an even lower weight as the Tension in the rope will increase (even though the mass is moving) so the counter-force on gravity will be even higher.
What would be an effect of the spring?
 
Causing an increased tension on the rope?
 
orazon said:
Causing an increased tension on the rope?
Does it make any difference that the mass is on the spring rather than attached to the rope directly?
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: PeroK
The tension will still be the same, right?
 
orazon said:
The tension will still be the same, right?
With the spring, the response will be dynamic.
 
orazon said:
The tension will still be the same, right?
It would be good to try this out! Would the spring's response depend on how the rope was pulled? Could this get complicated?
 

Similar threads

How Does Nick's Acceleration Change When His Friend Pulls the Rope?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Balancing Forces on a Scale: Man with Pulleys and Tensions
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Explain friction in a pulley system
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
7K
Analyzing Forces in a Platform and Pulley System
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
How Does the Monkey's Movement Affect the Box in a Pulley System?
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
8K
How does unbalanced tension affect the motion of a rope?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Weighing with A 400 N Scale and 80 N Spring Dynamometer
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
9K
Pulley problem: Does the third pulley move up or down?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How Does a Pulley System Help Rescue a Cat from a Tree?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Determining mass of a weight on a three spring scale setup
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K