Problem with tension on two strings at angles

lilmissbossy

thank you so much i get really confused with all this physics, biology is my degree so i find this all very stressful

mal4mac

Confused? Don't panic! This can easily be sorted out, with so many heads on the case. Are you confused by the physics or the mathematics, or both?

-----------Physics----------------

The basic physics of the situation is:

Tsin(θ)+Tsin(θ) = mg

Are you happy with that?

-------------Mathematics-----------
This is basic algebra, just remember not to get thrown by the sin and cos!

You might find simplifying the equations useful. For instance you can say:

a = sin(θ) and b = cos(θ)

Then Tsin(θ)+Tsin(θ) = mg becomes Ta + Ta = mg

Are you happy with that?

Now the steps in the rearrangement might be clearer to you:

Ta + Ta = mg
2Ta = mg
T = mg/2a

Is that clear?

Now you can stick in the sin:

T = mg/2sin(θ)

Happy?

lilmissbossy

yes thank you i havent really studied any math since yr 12 in 2002 or ohysics at all for that matter... so i am finding both equally confusing. that layout shows clearly what my problem was. i understand how to set that question out now lets just hope i can remember that for my exam!!
Thank you

mal4mac

This book is quite good for a gentle refresh of school maths (and more):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0393...ef=sib_dp_ptu#