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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to equilibrium involving masses, a spring scale, and pulleys. The original poster describes a scenario with two equal masses on either side of a table, connected by a spring scale, and seeks clarification on the forces at play, particularly the reading of the spring scale.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the masses and the tension in the spring scale, questioning how the forces exerted by the masses interact. There is discussion about whether the forces from both sides of the scale contribute to the reading and the nature of tension in the system.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants seeking clarification on the setup and the forces involved. Some guidance has been provided regarding the tension in the cable and its relationship to the equilibrium of the system. However, there is no explicit consensus on the interpretation of the forces at play.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of a clear diagram initially, which may have contributed to confusion regarding the setup. Questions about the orientation of the table and the presence of an incline are raised, indicating potential assumptions that need to be clarified.

shiri
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The system shown below are in equilibrium with m = 4.50 kg. If the spring scale is calibrated in Newtons, what does it read? (Ignore the masses of the pulleys and strings, and assume the incline is frictionless.)

There is a picture on this question but the best thing I can do is to describe it for you.
There are two equal masses on each side of the table supporting by its' pulleys. Each mass is attached to each end of the spring scale.

I'm kind of lost on this question. Does the two objects pull the spring scale in both directions, left and right, creating a force of 88.29N (F=2*ma=2*(4.50kg*9.81m/s^2))? Can anyone help me out on this question?
 
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I don't have a clear picture of the entire setup, nonetheless...

The spring scale will read the tension in the string where it's attached. A force equal to that tension will be exerted on each end of the scale, but they don't add.
 
Doc Al said:
I don't have a clear picture of the entire setup, nonetheless...

The spring scale will read the tension in the string where it's attached. A force equal to that tension will be exerted on each end of the scale, but they don't add.

Does this mean the force on one mass is really the tension exerted by two masses pulling each other?
 
shiri said:
Does this mean the force on one mass is really the tension exerted by two masses pulling each other?
I don't quite understand your question. If a mass is attached to a rope, one of the forces on the mass will be the tension force exerted by the rope. If that rope attaches to both masses, then it exerts the tension force on each.

If possible, can you scan in a diagram?

Is the table horizontal? Is there an incline involved?
 
Doc Al said:
I don't quite understand your question. If a mass is attached to a rope, one of the forces on the mass will be the tension force exerted by the rope. If that rope attaches to both masses, then it exerts the tension force on each.

If possible, can you scan in a diagram?

Is the table horizontal? Is there an incline involved?

yeah...here's the diagram
 

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Cool. A diagram is very helpful.

As I had said, the scale will read the tension in the cable. And since everything is in equilibrium, what must that tension equal?
 
Doc Al said:
Cool. A diagram is very helpful.

As I had said, the scale will read the tension in the cable. And since everything is in equilibrium, what must that tension equal?

thanks Doc Al, now I know the answer for this question
 

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