Solving Suspended Weight Forces: Common Mistakes and How to Correct Them

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the forces acting on a system involving suspended weights, specifically addressing common mistakes in calculating these forces. The subject area includes concepts of weight, force, and equilibrium in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the calculation of forces acting on suspended weights, questioning the correctness of adding forces and the interpretation of weight as a force already incorporating gravitational acceleration. Some participants seek clarification on whether to add or subtract forces and the implications of using Newtons as a unit of measurement.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on each other's reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of weight and the calculation of resultant forces, though there is still uncertainty about specific numerical results and methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of force calculations in a homework context, with some expressing confusion over the definitions and implications of weight and force. There is a focus on ensuring clarity in understanding the principles before proceeding with calculations.

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We usually only dealt with blocks suspended from a weightless string, so this is new to me. What I did to find F for the first one, which I thing I did wrong is:
F[chain]=mg=2.5(9.8)=24.5
F[box]=1.0(9.8)=9.8
Then I added the two forces together. Is this correct, if not, where have I gone wrong?
 
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I believe you have it correct. The measurement point is insensitive to the location of the mass. Otherwise, you would need to consider such nonsense as the top half of each 1.0 N box versus its bottom half. Consider that your string is connected to the top of the heavy chain, light chain or spring. In each case, the 'string' remains weightless.
 
No offense at all, I just want to make sure for sure that its right, but can someone with more forum experience comment on this?
 
Your method is correct, all systems are in rest so the resultant force has to be zero. The only forces are gravity and the opposite force F. But you are given the weights (in Newtons) which are forces already: mass times g. Do not multiply them with g.

ehild
 
Wait so is my answer right?
 
No. The numerical results are wrong.

ehild
 
So weight=mg, so if they say the weight is 5N, they already made that calculation with gravity? So then I'd just add 2.5+1, or subtract? Which one and why?
 
Yes they have made the calculation with gravity. That is why the unity is N. If you multiply Newtons with m/s^2 you do not get force.

So the force of gravity are given for the chain and for the block, both point downward. You need the resultant force for the whole system: what is the resultant of two downward forces? Why do you want to subtract them?

ehild

ehild
 
Yes they have made the calculation with gravity. That is why the unity is N. If you multiply Newtons with m/s^2 you do not get force.

So the force of gravity are given for the chain and for the block, both point downward. You need the resultant force for the whole system: what is the resultant of two downward forces? Why do you want to subtract them?

ehild
 

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