Understanding Forces in a Simple Pulley: Explained with an Image

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mechanics of a simple pulley system, specifically the forces acting on objects P and W. It is established that the upward force acting on both objects is the tension force in the rope, which is a result of the hand pulling one end of the rope. The downward force is identified as the force of gravity, calculated as the mass of the objects multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity (g). The tension force changes the direction of the applied force but does not alter its magnitude.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly forces and tension.
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion.
  • Knowledge of gravitational force calculations (mass times g).
  • Basic comprehension of pulley systems and their mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the concept of tension force in different pulley configurations.
  • Learn about Newton's second law of motion and its application in pulley systems.
  • Investigate the effects of friction in pulley systems and how it alters tension.
  • Conduct physical experiments with simple pulley setups to observe forces in action.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of force and motion in pulley systems.

AlbertE97
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
As seen in the image below, a hand is pulling one end of a rope that is on a simple pulley, and the object W is pulling another end.

What I don't understand is what kind of force acts both objects P and W upward. The downward force is the force of gravity. Since I've learned that these kind of pulleys simply change the direction of the force, why shouldn't both the forces acting upward be equal to the mass of the other object times g?
(English my 2nd language)

fixed_pulley_36349_lg.gif
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Is P acting upward?

This seems like the time to perform a simple physical experiment.
 
Nevermind, I've just learned it is the Tension force.
 

Similar threads

Ideal Vs Real Mass Pulley system
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
Pulley system problem: 6 Pulleys and 1 Mass
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
How Does Nick's Acceleration Change When His Friend Pulls the Rope?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Force applied on the pulley of a system
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
What are the forces on the center of mass?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Monkey accelerating up and down a rope
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K
Pulley Problem (with force upward)
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
Why Did I Get the Pulley Tension Forces Wrong?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Transfer of forces from a pulley to a beam
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
How does unbalanced tension affect the motion of a rope?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K