Solving a Belt and Pulley Question Using Simple Equations

  • Thread starter Thread starter Idrees27
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Belt Pulley
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a belt and pulley system, specifically focusing on calculating the magnitude of a force using a given equation. The context includes the use of specific masses and gravitational acceleration in the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the validity of an equation used to calculate force in the context of a single pulley system. Questions arise regarding the origin of the equation and the definitions of the variables involved. There is also a suggestion to consider the net force on the pulley due to belt tension.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the equation and its components. Some guidance has been offered regarding alternative methods to approach the problem, but there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the original approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are questioning the relevance of the masses involved and the appropriateness of the formula found online. There is a lack of clarity regarding the setup of the problem and the specific details of the pulley system.

Idrees27
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi guys,

I am working on a simple belt and pulley question, as pictured below.

4a7b0128.jpg


To find the magnitude, I used the following equation:

(g(M-m))/(M+m)

So,

9.81(2500-600)/(2500+600) = 6.01 - Answer = 6kN

Is this correct, or am I doing it totally wrong? I have searched for the same question but didn't find any like this with a single pulley, all other examples seem to show 2 pulleys.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Idrees27 said:
To find the magnitude, I used the following equation:

(g(M-m))/(M+m)
I don't understand that expression. Where did you get it? (Are m and M masses?)

In any case, why not just find the net force on the pulley due to the belt tension? Add up those tension forces vectorially.
 
Doc Al said:
I don't understand that expression. Where did you get it? (Are m and M masses?)

In any case, why not just find the net force on the pulley due to the belt tension? Add up those tension forces vectorially.
Yes, they are masses. That's a formula I found via Google.

How would you attempt the whole question?
 
Idrees27 said:
Yes, they are masses. That's a formula I found via Google.
Masses of what? How is that relevant?
How would you attempt the whole question?
Do as I suggested in my last post.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
7K
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
8K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K