Pulley Motion Analysis: Determining Tension in a String

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to pulley motion and the determination of tension in a string, specifically focusing on the variables involved, such as mass (m) and gravitational acceleration (g).

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks to clarify the interpretation of the problem, particularly the meaning of expressing tension in terms of m and g. Some participants discuss whether m and g are to be treated as known values or left as variables in the expression for tension.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing clarification on the interpretation of the question. There is a shared understanding that m and g should remain as variables in the expression for tension, and the original poster expresses relief at this clarification.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster plans to provide the full question later, suggesting that further details may influence the discussion.

_Mayday_
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Hey, I will post the actual question later. First of all I would like to just make sure I have interpreted the question correctly.

The Question

(a) By considering the motion of A, find, in terms of m and g, the tension in the string.

What is it actually asking me here? In terms of, does that mean find a value for m and g or what?

Thank you
_Mayday_
 
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It is looking for the tension. m and g, will appear as variables, in the expression for Tension.
 
I'm sorry I don't understand that. Does that mean that m and g could be unknown?
 
_Mayday_ said:
I'm sorry I don't understand that. Does that mean that m and g could be unknown?

Yes, it just means leave m and g in as terms in the tension; you don't need to bother working out what they are.
 
That is great news! That means I haven't gone wrong yet. I'll post the question here in a bit if I get stuck. Thanks to you both! :smile:
 

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