Understanding Equilibrium: Analyzing Two Boxes in Balance

  • Context: High School 
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    Equilibrium
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of equilibrium as it pertains to two boxes connected by ropes. Participants explore whether the boxes are in equilibrium, the implications of the ropes' tension, and the mechanics of moving the boxes simultaneously while maintaining equilibrium.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the boxes appear to be in equilibrium based on their balanced position.
  • Others argue that the weight of the boxes is unknown and that the ropes must sag, indicating that they cannot be horizontal.
  • A participant questions the necessity of sagging ropes, suggesting that tension could maintain equilibrium.
  • Another participant explains that for the ropes to be horizontal, the tension would need to be infinite or the boxes massless, as the vertical component of tension supports the boxes.
  • One participant inquires about the possibility of moving both boxes in the same direction while maintaining equilibrium.
  • Another suggests slacking the ropes or adjusting the pulleys as potential methods to achieve this movement.
  • A later reply questions whether slacking the ropes would disrupt equilibrium and seeks clarification on how to adjust the pulleys for simultaneous movement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions for equilibrium, the role of tension in the ropes, and the mechanics of moving the boxes. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not established the weights of the boxes or the specific configurations of the ropes and pulleys, which may affect their arguments. The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of tension and equilibrium that are not fully explored.

CountFleet
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Are these two boxes in equilibrium?
 

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CountFleet said:
Are these two boxes in equilibrium?

What is the context of the question? Is it for a class? What do you think?
 
I'm not taking a physics class right now. I'm just trying to learn on my own. I think there in equilibrium.
 
CountFleet said:
I'm not taking a physics class right now. I'm just trying to learn on my own. I think there in equilibrium.

Fair enough. I would think they are in equilibrium as well, since the system seems balanced. Even if the mass of the ropes is not negligible, the system still seems balanced.
 
Note, though, we don't know the weight of the boxes and regardless of their weight (unless they are negligible too), the ropes they are attached to can't be horizontal - they must sag.
 
Why do they have to sag? I thought there's tension?
 
In order for the sag to be zero, the tension would have to be infinite (or the boxes would have to be massless). This is because the vertical component of the tension is supporting the boxes, and if the rope is horizontal, the vertical component is zero.
 
Thanks for all the replys! :) The way I have it though when you move one box the other one gets pulled in the opposite direction. Is there a way to get both boxes to move in the same direction?
 
Slack the ropes and push on the boxes directly or move the pulleys.
 
  • #10
Wouldn't slag put it out of equilibrium? How could you change the pulleys so both boxes can move in equilibrium in the same direction at the same time?
 

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