How Do I Solve These Physics Vector Problems?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around vector problems in physics, specifically focusing on forces acting on objects in various scenarios. The original poster presents three distinct questions involving vector diagrams, hydraulic systems, and tension forces in chains.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for constructing vector diagrams to visualize forces acting on a ship and a hydraulic system. There are inquiries about how to arrange forces and perform vector addition. Some participants also express confusion about the setup of the problems and seek clarification on specific parts.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered guidance on drawing diagrams and understanding the arrangement of forces. There is ongoing exploration of how to approach the problems, particularly regarding the hydraulic system and the calculations involved. The discussion remains active with participants seeking further assistance on specific parts of the questions.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is working on past paper questions for a physics exam and is seeking help primarily with understanding the construction of vector diagrams and the implications of the given parameters in each problem. There is a noted emphasis on the need for clarity in the setup of the scenarios presented.

ravadongon
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OK I've been given a past paper for revision for this years physics exam (I'm 14). There are 3 question I need help with working out Here are the questions

1. Two tugs are pulling on a ship with forces of 1500kgf and 2000kgf respectively, each at angle of 45 degress to the longitudal axis of the ship. Calculate the resultant (magnitude and direction), relative to the larger force.
The thing I need help with is constructing the vector diagrams from the coplanar force diagrams, what forces go where

2. A volkswagen campervan of mass 1.3 tonne is being raised for servicing on a hydraulic hoist in a service station. The diameter of the large piston in the hydraulic system below the vehicle is 24 cm and that of the small piston in the driving cylinder is 2.1cm
(a) With no load on the hoist the pressure in the oil in hydraulic system is approximately atmospheric. When the VW is being supported what is the resulting increase in oil pressure?
(b) What force is being exerted by the small piston on the oil in the driving cylinder?
(c) How far does the vehicle rise when the driving piston moves in 17cm?
I only need help with part (c)

3. A boggedcar is winched out by 2 chains of equal length attached to some point on the car. The chains may withstand a maximum tension of 5 tonne force. Will they overcome the resistance of 70kN if the angle between them is 90 degrees?
Again I don't know how to construct a vector diagram from the info given.

Thanks and hope you can help!
 
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Bump, Come on, I'm sure there are plenty who can help me!
 
I'm going to bump this again PLEASE HELP SOON!
 
Ok, for the first question...did you draw a diagram of the situation? (not a vector diagram per se, but the boat, tugs, ropes etc.)

Assuming the two tugs are on opposite sides of the boat, you have one rope coming out at 45o to the longitudinal axis, and the other coming out at 45o in the other direction (i.e. the ropes are at a right angle). So think about it...the tugging force of each tugboat acts along the rope, so your two force vectors are naturally arranged with their tails together (attached at the centre line of the boat) and the arrows diverging from it. Now, to perfrom vector addtion as usual, slide on of the vectors until it's tip meets the tail of the other. So before the angle between the vectors was 90o. Now the angle between them is 180o - 90o = 90o. Now can you solve? Can you use this method to solve the other problems as well?
 
cepheid said:
Ok, for the first question...did you draw a diagram of the situation? (not a vector diagram per se, but the boat, tugs, ropes etc.)

Assuming the two tugs are on opposite sides of the boat, you have one rope coming out at 45o to the longitudinal axis, and the other coming out at 45o in the other direction (i.e. the ropes are at a right angle). So think about it...the tugging force of each tugboat acts along the rope, so your two force vectors are naturally arranged with their tails together (attached at the centre line of the boat) and the arrows diverging from it. Now, to perfrom vector addtion as usual, slide on of the vectors until it's tip meets the tail of the other. So before the angle between the vectors was 90o. Now the angle between them is 180o - 90o = 90o. Now can you solve? Can you use this method to solve the other problems as well?

Cheers man. Thanks for that, I'll be able to do 1 and 3 now. Do you think you can help with 2(c), I'm having some trouble with it.
 
BUMp!1
 
In a hydraulic system, assuming incompressible fluid, the pistons must displace equal volumes, and the volume displaced is simply the stroke x cross-sectional area.

Vol = [tex]\frac{\pi}{4}d^2h[/tex], where h is stroke and d=diameter.

d1, d2 and h1 are given, so find h2.
 

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