Torque and Tension of two weights

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving torque and tension in a system with two weights attached to a uniform beam. The original poster is attempting to apply the principle that the sum of clockwise torques equals the sum of counterclockwise torques to find the tension in a supporting cable.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster discusses breaking the tension into components and questions whether both components should be included in the torque equation. They present their setup and express uncertainty about the correctness of their approach.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback regarding the treatment of the tension's x-component, suggesting it does not contribute to the torque about the pivot point. The original poster is seeking clarification on whether their initial equation is indeed correct or if there is a misunderstanding in the application of the torque principles.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions numerical values and specific angles, indicating that they are working within a defined problem context, but they express uncertainty about their calculations and the setup of the equations.

Enoch
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Guys - I'm back again :smile: . I hate to have so many questions, but I really appreaciate all the help you guys give me. For this problem, I am having some problems with the clockwise/counterclockwise Torque rule. Anyways, let me give you the problem and work.

Two weights attached to a uniform beam of mass 26 kg are supported in a horizontal position by a pin and cable as shown in the figure (I have placed the figure in the attachment doc. 1). The acceleration of gravity is 9.8m/s^2. What is the tension in the cable which supports the beam? Answer in units of kN.

To solve this problem, I knew I had to apply the rule that clockwise torques are equal to counterclockwise torques.

Clockwise torques: Weight of the bar, Weight 1, and Weight 2.

Counterclockwise torques: Tension

Here is where my work gets shady :confused: . For the tensions, I broke the tension line up into components Ty and Tx. Ty = Tsin (theta). Tx = Tcos (theta). Do I take both of these for the counterclockwise torques in the equation? When I set the problem up, I only used the Ty value. Is this incorrect?

Anyways here is the final problem set up as I had it with only one of the Tension components:

[Weight of the bar X (length/2)] + [Weight1 X distance from weight] + [Weight2 X length] = Tsin (theta) X length

In numerical values: 26(5.6/2) + 32(3.1) + 37(5.6) = Tsin (39) X 5.6

Obviously this answer is wrong, but my question is...is the correct equation this:


[Weight of the bar X (length/2)] + [Weight1 X distance from weight] + [Weight2 X length] = [Tsin (theta) X length] + [Tcos (theta) X length]

In numerical values: 26(5.6/2) + 32(3.1) + 37(5.6) = [Tsin (39) X 5.6] + [Tcos (39) X 5.6]


OR is it something else entirely? Thanks for all the help guys!
 

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the last equation should be, for the x-component of T, the distance is 0, not 5.6. Only y-component of T has the distance 5.6 . So u just cancel out x-component because it's direction goes through the point O.
 
bem said:
the last equation should be, for the x-component of T, the distance is 0, not 5.6. Only y-component of T has the distance 5.6 . So u just cancel out x-component because it's direction goes through the point O.

Would that not leave me with the exact same initial equation that I started off with? I used that equation and came up with the wrong answer. Either I made a careless mistake (likely), I'm not understanding you, or there is something else wrong with the problem.
 
bump...Still need help
 

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