How to calculate increasing force

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Fizzics
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Force Increasing
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the force required to pull down one side of a balanced 'T' bar frame with weights attached, specifically in the context of how this action affects equilibrium and acceleration. The scope includes theoretical considerations of force and balance in a pulley system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a scenario with a balanced 'T' bar frame and questions whether the force needed to pull down one side can be calculated.
  • Another participant notes that any non-zero force will disrupt the equilibrium, emphasizing that even a small disturbance can lead to acceleration.
  • A different participant argues that calculating the force requires additional information, specifically the acceleration of the weights, stating that if the weights are moved at constant velocity, the required force would be zero, assuming no friction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions necessary to calculate the force, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific requirements for such calculations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for further information on acceleration and the assumption of no friction, which affects the calculations of force in this scenario.

Fizzics
Messages
27
Reaction score
1
We have a 'T' bar shaped frame with a pulley wheel at each end then a wire passing across the pulleys with a 10 kg weight attached to each end making each side perfectly balanced.
If we were to physically pull down the weight on one side thus upsetting the balance against gravity, could the force used to do this be calculated in an equation?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Fizzics said:
If we were to physically pull down the weight on one side thus upsetting the balance against gravity, could the force used to do this be calculated in an equation?
Ignoring friction, any non zero force will upset the equilibrium.
A single smote of dust on one side means the forces no longer cancel and acceleration will occur.
 
Fizzics said:
We have a 'T' bar shaped frame with a pulley wheel at each end then a wire passing across the pulleys with a 10 kg weight attached to each end making each side perfectly balanced.
If we were to physically pull down the weight on one side thus upsetting the balance against gravity, could the force used to do this be calculated in an equation?

Not without further information. Specifically you need to know how fast you accelerate the weights. If you move them at constant velocity the required force is zero (assuming there is no friction).
 
Thanks.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Translational force of a pulley
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
Undergrad How Does Changing Mass and Spring Force Affect Watch Oscillators?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Remark on centrifugal force in Heino Falcke's black hole book
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
High School Questions about momentum and force as well as normal force/friction
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
High School Determine forces acting on double inclined plane
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Undergrad Not a physics major -- Question about how far we can kick an object
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Undergrad Understanding tension and centripedal force in a puck and weight
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad How to calculate the "weight" of this piece of metal?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
High School How Does Inclined Load Affect Weight Distribution When Moving a Cabinet?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad How to Calculate force exerted on a falling body?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K