Fletcher's Trolley

The applet on Page 2 simulates the forces in Fletcher's Trolley including string tension.

Fletcher's Trolley is a system of two blocks, one of them moving horizontally and one of them vertically. The blocks are connected by a string that is guided over a pulley. The applet lets you vary the masses of the blocks and of the pulley.

Instructions on how to run the applet and lessons on string tension are available under Applet Help on the applet's Help menu.

See Activities under Related Items for some suggestions of exercises related to string tension that can be carried out with the applet.