Tension in Chain in Multiple Pulley Station

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the tension in a pulley system used to lift a crate with a mass of 44 kg. The correct tension in each chain is determined to be 431.2N, derived from the equation mg = T, where m is the mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). The initial incorrect assumption of dividing the weight by two was clarified, emphasizing that the system is in equilibrium, and the total weight must equal the tension in the chains.

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  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of pulley systems
  • Familiarity with the concept of equilibrium in physics
  • Ability to perform calculations involving mass and gravitational force
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  • Study the principles of tension in static systems
  • Learn about different types of pulley systems and their mechanical advantages
  • Explore the concept of equilibrium in more complex systems
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and forces, as well as educators teaching concepts related to tension and pulley systems.

magnumxlv
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This is for a graded online homework due at 11. I got everything else on it right, but this is giving me trouble for some reason. We get to resubmit answers once, and my first answer of 215.6N was wrong

Question: The pulley system in the figure is used to lift a crate of mass m = 44 kg. Note that a chain connects the upper pulley to the ceiling and a second chain connects the lower pulley to the crate. Assume that the masses of the chains, pulleys, and ropes are negligible. Determine the tension in each chain when the crate is being lifted with constant speed.

Diagram: https://jshare.johnshopkins.edu/amian3/public_html/pulleysystem.gif?uniq=-25jd0a

Initially, I figured the weight of the object would be distributed by the 2 tensions to the ceiling so I answered mg/2 which was 44*9.8/2 = 215.6N.

If anyone could help me out it'd be much appreciated, thank you.
 
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Figured it out. It's just m*g = 431.2N. The Tension of the rope to the ceiling and the pulling force cancel out b/c its in equilibrium, so you just have the tension force going upward and mg going down so mg - T = 0, mg = T.
 

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