Tension & Pulleys: Force, Acceleration & Magnitude

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of a spring scale to measure force and the relationship between mass, tension, and acceleration when using a pulley system. The participants question the consistency of the spring scale's measurements and the role of tension in the spring. They also consider the acceleration and direction of movement for different masses on a pulley.
  • #1
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1) What force does a spring scale measure? (I measured several different masses in different ways using pulleys and the spring scale always came up with the same number of Newtons, is this tension or what?)

2) Why, even when two different sized masses are hanged upon a pulley, the spring scale comes up with the same number of Newtons? What does this say about the tension in the spring?

3) If two masses are hanged upon a pulley and one of them is greater, will the smaller one accelerate? If so, in what direction? What about the bigger one? How do they compare in magnitude, and explain this.
 
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  • #2
That sounds like homework. There is a section for homework help.
 
  • #3

1. What is the relationship between tension and acceleration in a pulley system?

The tension in a pulley system is directly proportional to the acceleration of the system. This means that as the tension increases, the acceleration also increases. This relationship is known as Newton's Second Law of Motion.

2. How does the number of pulleys affect the tension in a pulley system?

The number of pulleys in a system has no effect on the tension, as long as the pulleys are frictionless. The tension is determined by the weight of the object being lifted and the force applied to the rope or cable.

3. How can the magnitude of the force applied to a pulley system be calculated?

The magnitude of the force applied to a pulley system can be calculated by multiplying the mass of the object being lifted by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). This will give the weight of the object. To calculate the force needed to lift the object, divide the weight by the number of ropes supporting the object.

4. Can the direction of the force applied to a pulley system change?

Yes, the direction of the force applied to a pulley system can change. This is due to the change in direction of the rope or cable as it passes over the pulleys. The direction of the force will always be opposite to the direction of the movement of the object being lifted.

5. Are there any other factors that can affect tension in a pulley system?

Yes, there are several other factors that can affect tension in a pulley system. These include the angle at which the rope or cable is pulled, the friction present in the pulley system, and the weight distribution of the object being lifted.

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