Infinite Mass and Finite Tension over a pulley

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the concept of tension in a rope over a pulley with infinitely large masses. Participants question how tension can remain at 1000 N despite increasing mass, referencing the equation F=ma. The original poster expresses confusion about the relationship between mass and force, particularly in the context of gravity being constant. Clarification is sought regarding the source of the 1000 N figure and whether additional problem details, such as the rope's maximum tension rating, are provided. The consensus suggests that understanding the limits of the system is crucial to resolving the tension paradox.
enantiomerrem
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Two masses hang across a massless, frictionless pulley. As the masses become infinitely large, the tension becomes:



Homework Equations



F=ma



The Attempt at a Solution



Can someone please help me understand how two masses suspended over a pulley can increase in mass infinitely while the tension in the rope suspending them will not exceed 1000 N? The way I have viewed it is that F=ma and as m increases so will force despite the fact that gravity is a constant acceleration. Thanks for any help provided.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It looks like you haven't given us the whole problem.

Where does 1000 N come from ?
 
Right, so it is actually multiple choice:

A.) O N
B.) 500 N
C.) 1000 N
D.) Infinite

The back of my book says the anser is 1000 N, but I do not understand how this is possible. Thanks again for the help.
 
Is there any more information given in the problem, such as the maximum tension at which the rope is rated?
 
What about infinite ?
 

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

Newton's Second Law (Pulley Sustem)
Replies
3
Views
2K
Problem with pulleys - two fixed and one movable
Replies
22
Views
316
Ideal Vs Real Mass Pulley system
Replies
10
Views
5K
Olympiad dynamics problem with 3 masses and a pulley
Replies
17
Views
2K
Experimental Design: Pulley and Mass Hangers
Replies
30
Views
3K
Newton’s Law of Motions: tension forces in a pulley
Replies
4
Views
2K
Monkey accelerating up and down a rope
Replies
38
Views
4K
Peculiar Acceleration: Solving a Massless and Frictionless Pulley Problem
Replies
3
Views
1K
Acceleration of a mass lowered by a motor (Help with Non-Ideal Pulley)
Replies
4
Views
2K
Calculating tensions and acceleration
Replies
10
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top