Connected Bodies - Pulleys (CIE A Level Maths: Mechanics)

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Connected Bodies - Pulleys

What is a pulley (or peg)?

  • A pulley is a wheel like device that rotates as a string passes over it allowing motion of any particles attached to the string
    • The term ‘string’ can refer to any rope, cable or chain
    • Strings can be assumed to be light and inextensible
  • Pulleys allow a (inextensible) string to change its orientation.
  • In A level mathematical models, pulleys will always be smooth and light, so there is no friction involved at the pulley and its mass is negligible
  • A peg is similar to a pulley but is a fixed point that a particle can be suspended from (like a nail in a wall)

3-2-4-fig1-pulley-examples

How do I solve pulley questions?

  • In all pulley questions the particles are moving in different directions so it is best if they are considered separately as opposed to treating them as one object
  • If a particle is in motion in the direction being considered then Newton’s Laws of Motion apply so use “F = ma” (N2L)
  • For constant acceleration the ‘suvat’ equations could be involved
  • Step 1. Draw a series of diagrams
    • Label the forces and the positive direction of motion for each particle.
    • Colour coding forces acting on each particle may help

    3-2-4-pulleys-diagram-2

  • Step 2. Write equations of motion, using “F = ma
    • Equations 1 and 2: Treating each particle separately

(↑) T space minus m subscript 1 g equals m subscript 1 a

(↓) m subscript 2 g minus T equals m subscript 2 a

  • Step 3. Solve the relevant equation(s) and answer the question
    • Some trickier problems may lead to simultaneous equations

Worked example

3.2.4_WE_Pulleys_1

Find the tension, T N , in the string and the acceleration, a m s-2 , of the system.

cie-3-2-4-fig5-we-solution-correction-part-1

cie-3-2-4-fig5-we-solution-correction-part-2

Examiner Tip

  • Sketch a diagram or add to a diagram given in a question.
  • All pulleys are smooth and in most (but not all) the pulley itself can be ignored.
  • In pulley questions the particles will be moving in different directions - so each particle will need to be considered separately.
  • If one particle is on a horizontal surface (such as a desk or table) then the weight only need be considered if friction is involved (since F = μR and R is related to weight).

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Amber

Author: Amber

Expertise: Maths

Amber gained a first class degree in Mathematics & Meteorology from the University of Reading before training to become a teacher. She is passionate about teaching, having spent 8 years teaching GCSE and A Level Mathematics both in the UK and internationally. Amber loves creating bright and informative resources to help students reach their potential.