Pulley and tensions in string segments

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the tension in string segments when two equal weights are suspended over a massy pulley. Participants agree that if the system is in equilibrium and the weights are stationary, the tensions in both string segments are equal. However, the presence of friction between the rope and the pulley or the pulley’s axle can alter this conclusion, as indicated by the book referenced by the original poster. Thus, the tension is not solely dependent on the weights but also on the frictional forces involved.

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Homework Statement


Here is a picture:
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/2509/pulleywl8.png

If both the hanged weights be the same, what would be tensions in the two segments of the strings if the string is massless, but the pulley has a large mass.

I think it would be the same and independent of the mass of the pulley (in equilibrium position). But my book mentions it otherwise! Why??
 
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ritwik06 said:
If both the hanged weights be the same, what would be tensions in the two segments of the strings if the string is massless, but the pulley has a large mass.

I think it would be the same and independent of the mass of the pulley (in equilibrium position). But my book mentions it otherwise! Why??

Hi ritwik06! :smile:

If the masses are stationary, then from symmetry the tensions must be the same.

Are the masses moving? Is there friction between the rope and the pulley, or between the pulley and its own axle?

Can you show us more of what the book says?
 

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