Solving Problems Involving Tension & Weight

In summary, the conversation is about a physics problem involving a picture hanging on a nail with a tension of 3.5 N in each string segment forming a 45 degree angle. The question is about the equilibrant or upward reaction force of the nail and the weight of the picture. The solution involves setting up a free body diagram and using the equation Tsin45 + Tsin45 - W = 0 to find the weight of the picture to be 4.9 N.
  • #1
chynawok
4
0
I looked in the physics book and couldn't find any similar examples. Maybe someone can tell me how to go about this problem:

A picture it hanging on a nail. The tension in each string segment which is holding up the picture is 3.5 N. The string forms a 45 degree angle on the two top corners of the picture frame.

a) What is the equilibrant or the upward reaction force of the nail?
b) What is the weight of the picture?

This is how I started going about it:
T1 + T2 + W = 0
Tsin45 + Tsin 45 - W = 0
2Tsin45 = W
2(3.5)sin45 = W = 4.9 N

Any pointers?
Thanks
 
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  • #2
Is it 40° or 45°?
 
  • #3
oops. typo- it's 45 degrees.
 
  • #4
What does your free body diagram look like? Since the nail is the only item that is holding the picture up, you are correct with saying that the weight of the picture and the reaction force at the nail are equivilent.
 
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1. How do you calculate tension in a string or rope?

The tension in a string or rope can be calculated by using the formula T = mg, where T is the tension, m is the mass of the object, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. The tension is equal to the weight of the object in this scenario.

2. How does the angle of the string or rope affect tension?

The angle of the string or rope can affect the tension by changing the direction of the force applied. The tension will be higher when the angle is closer to 90 degrees and lower when the angle is closer to 0 degrees.

3. What is the difference between static and dynamic tension?

Static tension refers to the force applied to an object that is at rest, while dynamic tension refers to the force applied to an object that is in motion. In both cases, the tension is equal to the weight of the object.

4. How can tension be used to solve weight-related problems?

Tension can be used to solve weight-related problems by balancing the forces acting on an object. By calculating the tension in a string or rope, the weight of the object can be determined and used to solve the problem.

5. Can tension be negative?

No, tension cannot be negative. It is a force that always acts in the direction of the string or rope and can only have positive values. If a negative value is obtained when calculating tension, it means that the direction of the force was incorrectly assumed.

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