Solving a Belt and Pulley Question Using Simple Equations

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Idrees27
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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.
 
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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.