Two blocks connected by a rope over a pulley

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving two blocks connected by a rope over a pulley, focusing on the balance of forces and the application of the Capstan equation. Participants are examining the conditions under which the blocks remain stationary and the implications of different variables such as mass and friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the definitions of the variables involved, particularly the masses and friction coefficients. There are questions about the conditions for balance and the correct interpretation of the Capstan equation. Some participants are also addressing potential misinterpretations of symbols and values.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into their calculations and correcting previous misunderstandings. There is recognition of the need for clarity regarding the symbols used and the conditions for balance, but no consensus has been reached on the specific values or outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies in the symbols used for masses and the importance of correctly interpreting the problem setup. There is also mention of specific angles and friction coefficients that are critical to the calculations being discussed.

goodOrBad
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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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