Tension in a pulley system pulled at an angle

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the tension in a pulley system when the angle "a" is 90 degrees. It is established that the tension is not simply 2T in this scenario, as the forces acting on the system create a non-symmetric situation. The impact of fixing the pulley is also questioned, with implications that it alters the dynamics of the system. Additionally, the creation of a free body diagram for the loaded pulley is emphasized as a crucial step in understanding the forces at play.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts related to tension and forces
  • Knowledge of pulley systems and their mechanics
  • Familiarity with free body diagrams and their construction
  • Experience with vector resolution of forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mechanics of pulley systems in detail
  • Learn how to create and analyze free body diagrams
  • Explore the effects of fixed versus movable pulleys on tension
  • Investigate the principles of vector resolution in force analysis
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Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of pulley systems and tension forces.

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Homework Statement
The system is in equilibrium. What is the tension in the bottom rope in the setup below? Neglect the mass of the rope and the pulley.
Relevant Equations
F=ma
This problem just came to my mind when thinking on another problem. Does the tension is just 2T as it is if the angle "a" is 90 degrees? It seems not to me. In a "normal"( I don't really know what is the right word for that) situation, the tension is would be 2T at the line in the middle of two strings and would be symmetric. So it should be less than that I guess. That's all I can think of and I am not sure. Please help me out.
One last thing I need to ask is that does making the pulley fixed makes a difference? I have no idea what would be the difference.
 

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I don't think you should be showing the vertical rope as straight vertical. Do you think that the sideways force from the right rope might pull the mass to the right a bit?
 
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Do you know how to create a free body diagram of that loaded pulley?
 
Lnewqban said:
Do you know how to create a free body diagram of that loaded pulley?
totally got it, saying that is enough. Thanks for the help
 
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