Man vs Iron Weight: Understanding Acceleration in UAH PDF

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of acceleration as illustrated in the UAH PDF, specifically the difference between a man exerting a force of 600N and an iron weight of 60Kg attached to a rope. It is established that when the system begins to move, the iron weight generates less acceleration due to the tension in the rope being less than the weight of the hanging mass. The key takeaway is that while the man applies a constant force, the tension must adjust based on the weight's acceleration, leading to a tension value that is less than 600N during the weight's downward acceleration.

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http://www2.uah.es/jmc/ai14.pdf

On page 2 of the above pdf there is an example in a box with title 'Acceleration'
which states that there is a difference between a man pulling on a rope with 600N force and an iron weight of 60Kg (g = 10) tied to the rope. The difference being that once the system starts moving the iron weight generates less acceleration. I don't understand the explanation given. Could someone please explain in a different way.

Thanks,

E.
 
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What pulls the cart is the tension in the rope. Which case produces the greater tension? Hint: If the cart is accelerating, can the tension equal the weight of the hanging mass?
 
Emanresu said:
http://www2.uah.es/jmc/ai14.pdf

On page 2 of the above pdf there is an example in a box with title 'Acceleration'
which states that there is a difference between a man pulling on a rope with 600N force and an iron weight of 60Kg (g = 10) tied to the rope. The difference being that once the system starts moving the iron weight generates less acceleration. I don't understand the explanation given. Could someone please explain in a different way.

Thanks,

E.

The man keeps applying a force of 600 N.

Now consider the weight as it is falling. What is the tension in the rope? Since the weight is accelerating downward, the tension in the rope has to be less than the iron weight therefore the tension is less than 600 N.
 
Duh ! It seems so obvious now !

Thanks,

E.
 

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