Note: I am in Algebra-based Physics

Two 35.0 N weights are suspended at opposite ends of a rope that passes over a light, frictionless pulley. The pulley is attached to a chain that is fastened to the ceiling. Start solving this problem by making a free-body diagram of each weight.

What is the tension in the rope?
Answer should be expressed in N.

What is the tension in the chain?
Answer should be expressed in N.

What would happen on this question if you welded the chain to the pulley? Would that change anything? Doesn't tension equal the static forces holding the chain?

Please in the future post your thinking or work. You wouldn't want anyone to think you were an answer moocher.

I don't know how to get started! That's the problem!!!

Two persons pulling on a rope, each with force F. The tension by definition is F.

To solve this problem, we can start by creating free-body diagrams for each weight.

For the first weight (35.0 N), there are two forces acting on it: the weight itself acting downwards (35.0 N), and the tension in the rope acting upwards.

For the second weight (35.0 N), the forces are the same as the first weight but in the opposite direction.

Since the rope is connected to both weights, the tension in the rope is the same throughout. Let's call it T.

Now, let's consider the forces acting on the pulley. Since it is light and frictionless, there are no forces acting on it.

Next, let's consider the forces acting on the chain. The chain is being pulled upwards by both weights, so the tension in the chain is also T.

Therefore, the tension in the rope and the tension in the chain are both equal to T.

If you were to weld the chain to the pulley, the resulting system would have the same tension in the rope as before, but the chain would not contribute any additional tension. The tension would still be equal to the weight of each weight (35.0 N) since it is pulling on the rope.

To find the tension in the rope or chain, you would need to know the weight or force pulling on the system, or solve the problem using the equations of motion or the concept of equilibrium. The tension in the rope or chain is not equal to the static forces holding the chain in this scenario.