Why Is There a Reaction Force in the Upper Pulley but Not in System 1?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving two masses connected by pulleys, focusing on the presence of reaction forces in different parts of the system. Participants are examining the differences between the upper and lower pulleys and how these differences affect the forces at play, particularly in relation to the reaction force in the upper pulley and its absence in system 1.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the role of the pulleys and the implications of tension in the system. Questions are raised about how the lower pulley influences the upper pulley and the overall force dynamics. There is also confusion regarding whether to treat the pulleys as objects in the analysis.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing uncertainty about the mechanics involved. Some have provided insights into the relationship between tension and reaction forces, while others are still grappling with the implications of their free body diagrams and the overall system behavior.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available for analysis. There is a focus on understanding the differences in system behavior rather than reaching a definitive solution.

jeremy222
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Homework Statement


m(1) is 20kg
m(2) is 30kg
gravity use 10
U static is .6
u kinetic is .4


Homework Equations


Basically my professor gave the answer to the question in the link along with the picture. The only problem is that i am not sure he did case three right and i am after spending hoursl ooking at it i am not sure why there is a reaction force in the upper pulley and not in system 1. I am confused about how the systems are different and how that changes my answer.


The Attempt at a Solution


Well i already had the answer with me so i just kept doing and trying to get the same answer but although i managed to get case 1 and 2 i don't know fi i should treat the pulleys as object or whatever else is necessary for the second system.
 

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jeremy222 said:

Homework Statement


m(1) is 20kg
m(2) is 30kg
gravity use 10
U static is .6
u kinetic is .4


Homework Equations


Basically my professor gave the answer to the question in the link along with the picture. The only problem is that i am not sure he did case three right and i am after spending hoursl ooking at it i am not sure why there is a reaction force in the upper pulley and not in system 1. I am confused about how the systems are different and how that changes my answer.


The Attempt at a Solution


Well i already had the answer with me so i just kept doing and trying to get the same answer but although i managed to get case 1 and 2 i don't know fi i should treat the pulleys as object or whatever else is necessary for the second system.

I too was concerned with talk of reaction force from the upper pulley.

It looked to me that the vertical string would reduce the reaction force force between the big block and the ground, making it easier to move? (due to things happening at the LOWER pulley)
 
But how does the lower pulley effect everything else? I did a free body for the lower one but i don't know how that would concern the upper pulley
 
jeremy222 said:
But how does the lower pulley effect everything else? I did a free body for the lower one but i don't know how that would concern the upper pulley

In Option B, there are two cords going up from the lower pulley, but only one thread going down from the upper pulley. Once you provide tension in the cord that indicates twice the upward force compared to the downward force [just considering effects of Tension] so I expect a net lifting force equal to the Tension.

With no tension, the (upward) Reaction Force will be equal to the (downward0 weight force of the two blocks.

With Tension, the sum of the (upward) Tension and Reaction force should equal the (downward) weight force, so the Normal force would be reduced?
 

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