Tension Troubles: Understanding Mass and Force

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the principles of tension in strings and pulleys, specifically addressing how tension relates to mass and gravity. When two equal masses are suspended from a string, the tension is indeed equal to the weight of one mass, calculated as T = mg (where m is mass and g is gravity). In cases with unequal masses, the tension corresponds to the weight of the lighter mass. Additionally, when a string is pulled in opposite directions with equal force, the tension is equal to the force exerted by one side, not the sum of both forces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with free body diagrams
  • Basic knowledge of mass and weight calculations
  • Concept of gravitational force (g = 9.81 m/s²)
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  • Study free body diagram techniques for analyzing tension in systems
  • Explore the relationship between mass, weight, and gravitational force
  • Learn about pulley systems and their mechanical advantages
  • Investigate the effects of varying forces on tension in strings
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Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of tension in physical systems.

catenn
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Hey, I have heard a few things about tension I am unsure about and would like to check. Is it true if there is a string hanging with both ends and the same mass on each the tension is equal to the mass of one of the weights times gravity? (ex. on each end of hanging string and pulley 500N, so T=500N?) And then if there are masses of different weights the Tension is of the lighter mass?

Also, if there were to be one string being pulled in opposite directions with the same force, the force is of one of them and not the sum of the two forces?

Thanks!
 
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The answer to your first question is yes. You can best show it by drawing a free body diagram of the system -- that shows how the tension in the string balances each mass' weight. Here is a PF thread that may help to clarify the situation for you:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=130847
 
Okay! Thanks, finally a click! Things make sense! :) I have been trying to put together different parts and see it now.
 

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