Two blocks connected by a rope over a pulley

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mechanics of two blocks connected by a rope over a pulley, specifically analyzing the balance of forces represented by weights G1 and G2. The participants clarify that the correct symbols are G and Q, and emphasize the importance of the Capstan equation in determining the tension in the rope. The balance is achieved when the angle α is maintained, and the friction coefficient μ plays a crucial role in the calculations. The final tension calculated using the Capstan equation is confirmed to be 133.37 N, based on a weight of 250 N and a friction coefficient of 0.3.

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  • Understanding of the Capstan equation in physics
  • Knowledge of friction coefficients and their application in pulley systems
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  • Basic principles of static equilibrium in mechanics
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Homework Statement
I needed to find the weight of block Q if given G and vice versa, I already solved it, I just need someone to check it.

For the second block I could choose the weight myself so... I used the same weight I got in the first one for the second so it should be ok, since they match, alternative is I made the same mistake twice.
Relevant Equations
Fx=0
Fy=0
2check.jpeg
 
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There are a two things I am not seeing here:
1) A description of what kind of "balance" is supposed to be reached. For example, how would you know if G2 was not massive enough?
2) Solving the weight of G1 given G2 suggests a function. Are you expected to provide that function?

On second look - I was misinterpreting dome of you mu's for M's. So the masses are G and the friction coefficients are ##\mu##'s - and there are no M's.

And the balance is when you get a specific angle ##\alpha##. If ##G_2## is not massive enough, the string angle will be less than ##\alpha##.

You 9's look like 8's or 3's. So what looks like ##\beta = 30° + 30° = 120°## is not.

You state the problem using symbols ##G_1## and ##G_2##, but the symbols in your notes are ##G## and ##Q##. This is important when understanding what you are trying to do - never-the-less, you seem to have you Capstan equation set up correctly.
But, I do not get 133.37 for ##250/{(e^{\pi/10})}##.

The rest looks good to me.
 
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Yeah I wrote it wrong it aint G1 and G2 but G and Q, I was working on another problem so it sticked with me.

The balance is about all of it remaining in their respective positions they won't move.

Since I made S2=G and G is 250N, then I used it in the Capstan equation and just divided it with
e^(0.3*120*pi/180) since 0.3 is the friction given for the pulley 120 being the angle of the rope contact and and the pi/180 for rads. That is how I got 133.37
 
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I agree with 644.2N.
 
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goodOrBad said:
Since I made S2=G and G is 250N, then I used it in the Capstan equation and just divided it with
e^(0.3*120*pi/180) since 0.3 is the friction given for the pulley 120 being the angle of the rope contact and and the pi/180 for rads. That is how I got 133.37
My mistake. Somehow I started with ##(0.3 \times 120 \pi/180)## and got ##\pi/10## instead of ##\pi/5##.
 
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