Mass needed for static equilibrium compound pulley system

[hus8765]

Homework Statement

For what m1 will the illustrated pulley system be in static equilibrium if m2 = 60 kg?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

im supposed to use the change in lengths but don't know how to do it

 

[gneill]

If it is static (no motion) then the lengths will not be changing. Look to free body diagrams and tensions instead.

 

[hus8765]

If it is static (no motion) then the lengths will not be changing. Look to free body diagrams and tensions instead.

thanks a lot

 

[BvU]

Hello hus, welcome to PF

The change in length thingy is a good hint, though. But perhaps a little differently: If one of the two moves a little, does the other move just as much, half as much, or twice as much ? From that you can deduce the proper tension force to keep balance. And balance means no change of lengths allright.