How to Measure Tension Using Pulleys

Pulleys increase the relative force you exert on a mass by redirecting the direction of force and dividing it between two or more portions of the cable attached to a system of pulleys. The total tension on a rope equals the weight of the load. Determine the tension on each portion of the cable to calculate the amount of force necessary to lift a given mass.

Things You'll Need

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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the load force, or weight, by multiplying the mass of the object by 9.8.

    • 2

      Substitute the value for weight as total tension in accordance with Newton's Third Law: every force has an equal and opposite force.

    • 3

      Divide the tension by the number of pulleys in the system to obtain the measurement of tension on each portion of the cable.

    • 4

      Divide this measurement by 9.8 to determine the effort force necessary to overcome weight.

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