Tension In Rope: Box Suspended & Pulled by Force

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Hamza Abbasi
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanics of a box suspended by a rope that is being pulled to one side by a horizontal force. Participants explore the implications of this scenario on the tension in the rope, examining the underlying physics concepts and equations involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the tension in the rope increases when the box is pulled, questioning the reasons behind this observation.
  • One participant suggests drawing a diagram and writing down the force balance equations to analyze the situation further.
  • A participant challenges others to clarify whether they have derived the equations themselves or are relying on external explanations regarding the increase in tension.
  • Another participant provides a reasoning based on Newton's third law, stating that the reaction force exerted on the rope must result in increased tension as it supports the object being pulled.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the explanation for the increase in tension, with multiple viewpoints and approaches presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific mathematical derivations or detailed diagrams that could clarify the force balance, and assumptions regarding the system's constraints are not fully articulated.

Hamza Abbasi
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A box suspended by a rope is pulled to one side by a horizontal force. The tension in the rope increases! Why is it so?
 
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draw a diagram; write down force balance equation; expand it in coordinate frame if needed
 
Hamza Abbasi said:
A box suspended by a rope is pulled to one side by a horizontal force. The tension in the rope increases! Why is it so?

Have you solved the force balance equations, as zwierz suggests, and found that the tension increases, or were you told that it increases and you're trying to understand why?
 
Hamza Abbasi said:
A box suspended by a rope is pulled to one side by a horizontal force. The tension in the rope increases! Why is it so?
Because for every action if force there is an equal and opposite reaction. Thus this equal reaction must get exerted upon the rope, as it is supporting the object on which the force was exerted. Ergo...more tension on the rope.
 

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