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Tension Force and Pulley Block System Questions in English

Class 11 Physics · Newton's Laws of Motion and Friction · Tension Force and Pulley Block System

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151
MediumMCQ
The system of two masses $2 \ kg$ and $3 \ kg$ as shown in the figure is released from rest. The work done on the $3 \ kg$ block by the force of gravity during the first $2 \ s$ of its motion is $\left(g=10 \ m/s^2\right)$. (in $J$)
Question diagram
A
$120$
B
$40$
C
$80$
D
$30$

Solution

(A) This is an Atwood machine system. The acceleration $a$ of the system is given by:
$a = \left(\frac{M-m}{M+m}\right) g$
Substituting the values $M = 3 \ kg$,$m = 2 \ kg$,and $g = 10 \ m/s^2$:
$a = \left(\frac{3-2}{3+2}\right) \times 10 = \frac{1}{5} \times 10 = 2 \ m/s^2$
The distance $s$ covered by the $3 \ kg$ block in $t = 2 \ s$ starting from rest $(u = 0)$ is:
$s = ut + \frac{1}{2}at^2 = 0 + \frac{1}{2} \times 2 \times (2)^2 = 4 \ m$
The work done by gravity on the $3 \ kg$ block is the product of the gravitational force $(Mg)$ and the displacement $(s)$:
$W = Mgs = 3 \times 10 \times 4 = 120 \ J$
Thus,the work done is $120 \ J$.
152
EasyMCQ
Two blocks of masses $m_1$ and $m_2$ are suspended from the ends of a light string passing over a smooth fixed pulley. If the pulley is pulled up with an acceleration $a_0 = g$,then the tension in the string will be
A
$\frac{4 m_1 m_2}{m_1+m_2} g$
B
$\frac{2 m_1 m_2}{m_1+m_2} g$
C
$\frac{m_1 m_2}{m_1+m_2} g$
D
$\frac{m_1 m_2}{2(m_1+m_2)} g$

Solution

(A) Let the masses be $m_1$ and $m_2$. The pulley is accelerating upwards with $a_0 = g$. In the frame of the pulley,each block experiences a pseudo-force $m_i g$ downwards.
For mass $m_1$ (assuming it moves downwards relative to the pulley with acceleration $a$):
$m_1 g + m_1 g - T = m_1 a \implies 2m_1 g - T = m_1 a$ $(i)$
For mass $m_2$ (moving upwards relative to the pulley with acceleration $a$):
$T - m_2 g - m_2 g = m_2 a \implies T - 2m_2 g = m_2 a$ (ii)
Adding $(i)$ and (ii):
$2m_1 g - 2m_2 g = (m_1 + m_2) a \implies a = \frac{2g(m_1 - m_2)}{m_1 + m_2}$
Substitute $a$ into (ii):
$T = m_2(a + 2g) = m_2 \left( \frac{2g(m_1 - m_2)}{m_1 + m_2} + 2g \right)$
$T = 2m_2 g \left( \frac{m_1 - m_2 + m_1 + m_2}{m_1 + m_2} \right) = 2m_2 g \left( \frac{2m_1}{m_1 + m_2} \right) = \frac{4 m_1 m_2 g}{m_1 + m_2}$
Solution diagram
153
MediumMCQ
In the pulley system shown,the mass of the ball is $1.2$ times greater than the mass of the rod. The length of the rod is $50 \,cm$. The ball is set on the same level as the lower end of the rod and then released. What is the acceleration of the rod with which it comes down (in $\,m/s^2$)? Assume the pulleys and threads are massless and friction is neglected. (Use $g = 10 \,m/s^2$)
Question diagram
A
$4$
B
$3$
C
$2$
D
$5$

Solution

(B) Let the mass of the rod be $M$ and the mass of the ball be $m = 1.2M$. Let $T$ be the tension in the string attached to the rod. The movable pulley is supported by two segments of the string,each with tension $T$,so the upward force on the movable pulley is $2T$. This force is transmitted to the ball,so the tension in the string attached to the ball is $2T$.
For the ball (mass $m$),the equation of motion is: $m a_1 = 2T - mg$ $(i)$
For the rod (mass $M$),the equation of motion is: $M a_2 = Mg - T$ (ii)
Since the string length is constant,the constraint relation between accelerations is $a_2 = 2a_1$,or $a_1 = a_2/2$.
Substituting $a_1$ into $(i)$: $m(a_2/2) = 2T - mg \Rightarrow T = \frac{m a_2}{4} + \frac{mg}{2}$.
Substitute $T$ into (ii): $M a_2 = Mg - (\frac{m a_2}{4} + \frac{mg}{2})$.
Rearranging for $a_2$: $a_2(M + m/4) = g(M - m/2)$.
$a_2 = g \frac{M - m/2}{M + m/4} = g \frac{1 - (m/M)/2}{1 + (m/M)/4}$.
Given $m/M = 1.2$,$a_2 = 10 \times \frac{1 - 0.6}{1 + 0.3} = 10 \times \frac{0.4}{1.3} = \frac{4}{1.3} \approx 3.07 \,m/s^2$. The closest option is $3 \,m/s^2$.
Solution diagram
154
MediumMCQ
If the system of blocks shown in the figure is released from rest,the ratio of the tensions $T_1$ and $T_2$ is (Neglect the mass of the string shown in the figure).
Question diagram
A
$1: 1$
B
$1: 2$
C
$1: 3$
D
$3: 4$

Solution

(D) Let the masses be $m_1 = 4 \ kg$ (left side),$m_2 = 3 \ kg$ (upper right),and $m_3 = 3 \ kg$ (lower right).
The total mass on the right side is $M_R = m_2 + m_3 = 3 \ kg + 3 \ kg = 6 \ kg$.
The mass on the left side is $M_L = 4 \ kg$.
Since $M_R > M_L$,the system accelerates towards the right with acceleration $a$.
The acceleration $a$ is given by $a = \frac{(M_R - M_L)g}{M_R + M_L} = \frac{(6 - 4)g}{6 + 4} = \frac{2g}{10} = 0.2g$.
For the lower $3 \ kg$ block,the equation of motion is $T_1 - m_3g = m_3a$.
$T_1 = m_3(g + a) = 3(g + 0.2g) = 3(1.2g) = 3.6g$.
For the entire system,the tension $T_2$ in the string passing over the pulley is $T_2 = \frac{2 M_L M_R g}{M_L + M_R} = \frac{2(4)(6)g}{4 + 6} = \frac{48g}{10} = 4.8g$.
The ratio of tensions is $\frac{T_1}{T_2} = \frac{3.6g}{4.8g} = \frac{36}{48} = \frac{3}{4}$.
155
MediumMCQ
Two weights of mass $m_{1}$ and $m_{2} (> m_{1})$ are joined by an inextensible string of negligible mass passing over a fixed frictionless pulley. The magnitude of the acceleration of the loads is
A
$g$
B
$\frac{m_{2}-m_{1}}{m_{2}} g$
C
$\frac{m_{1}}{m_{2}+m_{1}} g$
D
$\frac{m_{2}-m_{1}}{m_{2}+m_{1}} g$

Solution

(D) Let $T$ be the tension in the string and $a$ be the magnitude of the acceleration of the masses.
Since $m_{2} > m_{1}$,the mass $m_{2}$ moves downwards with acceleration $a$,and the mass $m_{1}$ moves upwards with acceleration $a$.
For mass $m_{1}$ (moving upwards): $T - m_{1}g = m_{1}a$ ....$(i)$
For mass $m_{2}$ (moving downwards): $m_{2}g - T = m_{2}a$ ....(ii)
Adding equations $(i)$ and (ii),we get:
$(T - m_{1}g) + (m_{2}g - T) = m_{1}a + m_{2}a$
$(m_{2} - m_{1})g = (m_{1} + m_{2})a$
$a = \frac{m_{2} - m_{1}}{m_{1} + m_{2}} g$
Solution diagram
156
EasyMCQ
$A$ smooth massless string passes over a smooth fixed pulley. Two masses $m_{1}$ and $m_{2}$ $(m_{1} > m_{2})$ are tied at the two ends of the string. The masses are allowed to move under gravity starting from rest. The total external force acting on the two masses is
A
$(m_{1} + m_{2}) g$
B
$\frac{(m_{1} - m_{2})^{2}}{m_{1} + m_{2}} g$
C
$(m_{1} - m_{2}) g$
D
$\frac{(m_{1} + m_{2})^{2}}{m_{1} - m_{2}} g$

Solution

(B) For a system of two masses connected by a string over a pulley,the acceleration of each mass is given by $a = \frac{m_{1} - m_{2}}{m_{1} + m_{2}} g$.
Since the two masses move in opposite directions,the acceleration of the center of mass $(a_{CM})$ is calculated as:
$a_{CM} = \frac{m_{1}a_{1} + m_{2}a_{2}}{m_{1} + m_{2}}$.
Taking the direction of $m_{1}$ as positive,$a_{1} = a$ and $a_{2} = -a$.
$a_{CM} = \frac{m_{1}a - m_{2}a}{m_{1} + m_{2}} = \left(\frac{m_{1} - m_{2}}{m_{1} + m_{2}}\right) a$.
Substituting the value of $a$:
$a_{CM} = \left(\frac{m_{1} - m_{2}}{m_{1} + m_{2}}\right) \times \left(\frac{m_{1} - m_{2}}{m_{1} + m_{2}}\right) g = \left(\frac{m_{1} - m_{2}}{m_{1} + m_{2}}\right)^{2} g$.
The total external force acting on the system is $F_{ext} = (m_{1} + m_{2}) a_{CM}$.
$F_{ext} = (m_{1} + m_{2}) \times \left(\frac{m_{1} - m_{2}}{m_{1} + m_{2}}\right)^{2} g = \frac{(m_{1} - m_{2})^{2}}{m_{1} + m_{2}} g$.
157
DifficultMCQ
Three masses $m_1 = 4 \text{ kg}$,$m_2 = 4 \text{ kg}$,and $m_3 = 6 \text{ kg}$ are suspended from a fixed smooth frictionless pulley as shown in the figure. The value of $T_1/T_2$ is . . . . . . . (Take $g = 10 \text{ m/s}^2$)
Question diagram
A
$5$/$3$
B
$2$/$3$
C
$3$/$5$
D
$2$/$5$

Solution

(B) Let the acceleration of the system be $a$. The system moves such that $m_3$ moves downwards and $m_1$ moves upwards.
For mass $m_3$: $m_3g - T_2 = m_3a \implies 60 - T_2 = 6a$ ---$(1)$
For the system $(m_1 + m_2)$: $T_2 - (m_1 + m_2)g = (m_1 + m_2)a \implies T_2 - 80 = 8a$ ---$(2)$
Adding $(1)$ and $(2)$: $60 - 80 = 14a \implies -20 = 14a \implies a = -20/14 = -10/7 \text{ m/s}^2$.
The negative sign indicates that the system moves in the opposite direction (i.e.,$m_1$ moves down and $m_3$ moves up).
Using $a = 10/7 \text{ m/s}^2$ (magnitude),$m_3$ moves up: $T_2 - m_3g = m_3a \implies T_2 = m_3(g + a) = 6(10 + 10/7) = 6(80/7) = 480/7 \text{ N}$.
For the whole system hanging from $T_1$: $2T_1 = (m_1 + m_2 + m_3)g + (m_1 + m_2 + m_3)a_{\text{cm}}$ is not required here. The tension $T_1$ supports the entire system: $2T_1 = (m_1 + m_2 + m_3)g + \text{net force}$.
Actually,$T_1$ is the tension in the string passing over the pulley. Since the pulley is fixed and frictionless,$T_1$ balances the weights. The total downward force is $(m_1 + m_2 + m_3)g = 140 \text{ N}$. Thus,$2T_1 = 140 \implies T_1 = 70 \text{ N}$.
Ratio $T_1/T_2 = 70 / (480/7) = 490 / 480 = 49/48 \approx 1$. Given the options,let's re-evaluate the setup: $T_1$ is the tension in the string connected to $m_1$ and the $(m_2+m_3)$ system. $T_1 = m_1(g+a) = 4(10 + 10/7) = 4(80/7) = 320/7 \text{ N}$.
Ratio $T_1/T_2 = (320/7) / (480/7) = 320/480 = 2/3$.

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