Tension in a pulley system pulled at an angle

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving tension in a pulley system, particularly when the pulley is pulled at an angle. Participants are exploring the implications of the angle on the tension and the setup of the system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions whether the tension remains at 2T when the angle is 90 degrees and considers the symmetry of the system. They also inquire about the effects of fixing the pulley. Other participants raise concerns about the representation of the vertical rope and the potential sideways force affecting the mass. There are repeated inquiries about creating a free body diagram for the system.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the creation of free body diagrams, but there is no explicit consensus on the implications of the angle or the setup of the pulley system.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions and assumptions related to the tension in the pulley system, particularly in relation to angles and the configuration of the ropes. There is a mention of a fixed pulley, which introduces additional considerations that are not fully resolved.

erensatik
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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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