Min force to lever to lift weight

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the minimum force needed to lift a weight using a pulley system. The participant initially calculated the couple generated by a 900 N force but questioned their approach and the use of diameter in the calculation. They derived a couple of 360 Nm and attempted to balance it with a force F, arriving at 300 N, which was incorrect. The conversation highlights confusion about the forces acting on the disc and the mechanics of the system, particularly regarding how the spindle and lever interact. The analogy of a lawnmower illustrates the concept of forces acting in opposite directions and the importance of stabilization.
toforfiltum
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Homework Statement


upload_2015-8-31_22-49-3.png


Homework Equations


Concept of couple?

The Attempt at a Solution


First, I calculated the couple about disc, though I'm not sure if I can use this approach. Since 900 N is pulling the string of pulley downwards, I take the couple about disc as 900 x 0.4, which gives me 360 Nm. To balance this couple, the couple by F must be equal to 360. So 1.2 x F = 360 which gives me 300 N as the answer. But I'm wrong, since the answer is B. Where did I go wrong?
 
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toforfiltum said:
Where did I go wrong?

toforfiltum said:
900 x 0.4,
Any particular reason for using diameter?
 
Bystander said:
Any particular reason for using diameter?
I thought the 900 N exerts a couple on the disc, though I'm not sure. I'm just guessing.
 
What are/would be the two elements of the couple?
 
Bystander said:
What are/would be the two elements of the couple?
Two forces acting in opposite directions separated by a perpendicular distance.
 
What specific forces? And what distance?
 
Bystander said:
What specific forces? And what distance?
In this case there's only one force which is 900 N rotating the disc in anticlockwise direction.
 
What's holding the disc?
 
Bystander said:
What's holding the disc?
The lever turning in opposite direction?
 
  • #10
What's the "spindle" doing?
 
  • #11
Bystander said:
What's the "spindle" doing?[/
Transferring the energy?
 
  • #12
No sideways forces on it?
 
  • #13
Bystander said:
No sideways forces on it?
I totally don't know. From the picture, as the spindle rotates, it turns discs in opposite direction to the wight of 900 N on disc.
 
  • #14
What happens when you pull the starter rope on a lawnmower without putting your foot on the mower to hold it in place?
 
  • #15
Bystander said:
What happens when you pull the starter rope on a lawnmower without putting your foot on the mower to hold it in place?
The lawnmower will jump?
 
  • #16
toforfiltum said:
jump?
Any particular direction?
 
  • #17
Bystander said:
Any particular direction?
I've never used a lawnmower before:-p so I'm not too sure.It will jump away from the person pulling it?
 
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