Rotational Mechanics: Tension Difference in Pulley Due to Friction

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of tension differences in a pulley system due to friction, exploring the mechanics involved in rotational motion. Participants examine the implications of friction on the tension in the ropes on either side of the pulley.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the reason for differing tensions on either side of the pulley due to friction.
  • Another participant explains that the tension difference arises because the net torque on the pulley must be zero when it rotates at a constant speed, indicating that the torques from the two ropes must balance the frictional torque.
  • A further inquiry is made about the location and direction of the frictional force acting on the pulley.
  • It is clarified that friction acts at the shaft of the pulley and opposes its rotation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the initial confusion regarding the tension difference, but there is agreement on the role of friction in opposing the rotation of the pulley.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address specific assumptions about the pulley system, such as the nature of the friction or the characteristics of the ropes involved.

shashank
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I can't get it why tension is different in both sides of pulley due to friction?
 
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The tension in the rope on one side of the pulley is trying to rotate the pulley in one direction, and the tension on the other side is trying to rotate the pulley in the opposite direction. If the pulley is rotating at a constant speed, then the net torque on the pulley has to be zero, which means that the difference between the torques from the two ropes has to exactly cancel the torque from friction. The frictional torque is non-zero, so the difference in the tension of the ropes has to be non-zero, which means that it can't be the same in both ropes.
 
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But I can't get that where is the friction being applied and in which direction?
 
Friction is being applied at the shaft of the pulley and opposes its rotation.
 
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Thanks a lot sir...
 

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