Tension with a tension problem?

  • Thread starter Thread starter charvonne coates
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Tension
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving tension in a rope used to pull a log up an inclined ramp. The problem includes parameters such as the mass of the log, the angle of the ramp, the coefficient of kinetic friction, and the acceleration of the log.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the concept of tension and its relation to forces acting on the log, including friction and gravitational components. There are attempts to set up equations based on the forces involved, but confusion arises regarding the correct angle to use and the application of sine and cosine functions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the setup of the problem and equations. Some participants are questioning the assumptions made about the angles and the application of trigonometric functions, indicating a lack of consensus on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted discrepancy in the angle used in calculations, with one participant mistakenly using 69 degrees instead of the correct 29 degrees. This has led to confusion and incorrect results in the calculations presented.

charvonne coates
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
"tension" with a tension problem?

11. [CJ6 4.P.076.] A 248 kg log is pulled up a ramp by means of a rope that is parallel to the surface of the ramp. The ramp is inclined at 29.0° with respect to the horizontal. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the log and the ramp is 0.880, and the log has an acceleration of 0.800 m/s2. Find the tension in the rope.


I don't know where to start please help me out! :


surprised :cry: :cry:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
First of all, let us discuss the concept of the tension. Essentially, the tension is the force with which the block is being pulled. Therefore, the forces across the "x" plane are the tension and the friction forces, as well as the "x" component of the gravitational force. On the "y" plane, we find the normal force as well as the "y" component of the gravitational force.
(note that I rotated our x-y plane by 29 degrees, so that all the forces are at 0 degrees to the surface )

Now, let's write what we've just said down:
[tex]F_{net,x} = F_t - F_k - F_{g,x}[/tex]
[tex]F_{net,y} = F_n - F_{g,y}[/tex]
To find [tex]F_k[/tex], we want to find the normal force. Since we know that no acceleration on the "y" plane exists (that is, the log doesn't levitate above the surface), [tex]F_{net,y} = ma = m(0) = 0[/tex]. So, [tex]F_n = F_{g,y}[/tex]. Looking at the block diagram you should've drawn, you should get [tex]F_{g,y}=F_n=mg sin{69^0}[/tex].
Let's go back to friction. [tex]F_k = \mu _k F_n = \mu _k (mg sin{69^0} )[/tex].
We substitute into our original [tex]F_{net,x}[/tex]:
[tex]m a_x = F_t - \mu _k (mg sin{69^0} ) - (mg cos{69^0})[/tex]
[tex]F_t = m a_x + \mu _k (mg sin{69^0} ) + (mg cos{69^0})[/tex]
Substitute, and you're done.

Hope this helps,
-Evgeny
 
still tryin

Thanks for the help! I followed your steps above however the answer i got is not the correct answer. Am i doing the problem incorrect.

F=248kg(0.800m/s^2)+.880((248kg)(9.80m/s^2)(sin69))+248kg(9.80m/s^2)(cos69)
F=2367.23 is not correct
could you please tell me what i am doing wrong. :confused:
 
Where did 69 come from? The ramp is on a 29 degree incline. Charvonne, i don't think you quite understand the problem, because although evgeny did make a mistake, his process is right. That is something you should be able to pick up on and figure out the solution.
 
Actually, Evgeny made two mistakes. One, he used 69 degrees instead of 29. But he also mixed up sine and cosine. For example, the normal force is [itex]mg cos\theta[/itex], not [itex]mg sin\theta[/itex]. Similarly, the component of the weight down the ramp is [itex]mg sin\theta[/itex], not [itex]mg cos\theta[/itex]. (Where [itex]\theta[/itex] = 29 degrees.)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
7K
Replies
6
Views
2K