Tension in a String, 1J30.20

Topic and Concept:

• Statistics of Rigid Bodies, [:RigidBodies#ResolutionofForces: 1J30. Resolution of Forces]

Location:

• Cabinet: [:MechanicsCabinet:Mechanic (ME)]

• Bay: [:MechanicsCabinetBayB2:(B2)]

• Shelf: #1

  attachment:TwoScaleSetup01-400.jpg attachment:SingleScaleSetup02-400.jpg

Abstract:

This is a two part demo though just one of the parts may be chosen. A mass is suspended from a string connected to a string-suspended spring scale. The string suspending the scale is then run over a pulley and attached to another spring scale which is held by the instructor. The registered tension is the same in both cases.

Important Setup Notes:

• N/A

Setup and Procedure:

Part A:

1. Fasten the rod/clamp setup to the lecture bench.
2. Hang one spring scale with a string from the cantilever of the rod/clamp setup (see photos).
3. From the suspended spring scale, hang the 5 kg mass with a string.
4. The force reading on the spring scale is the tension in the string.

Part B:

1. Building on part A, switch the top string suspended the scale with the longer one and run this over the pulley.
2. Attach the second spring scale to the long string.
3. Hold on to the bottom hook so that the string remains taught - the readings on the two scales should be the roughly the same (ignoring friction and the mass of the pulley).

Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:

• N/A

Discussion:

When a string is taught, there is force along the string.

Videos:

• [https://www.youtube.com/user/LectureDemostrations/videos?view=1 Lecture Demonstration's Youtube Channel]

References:

• [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tension_%28physics%29 Tension - Wikipedia]

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