Tension, vectors and angles, oh my

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a statics problem involving a block suspended by cords at angles, focusing on the forces acting on the block and their components. The original poster expresses difficulty with understanding angles and resolving tensions in the context of equilibrium.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the equilibrium of forces, suggesting that the vertical and horizontal components must balance. There is mention of considering the horizontal components specifically. The original poster questions their understanding of angles and how to apply them in this scenario.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered hints regarding the equilibrium conditions and suggested making a sketch to visualize the problem. There is acknowledgment of the original poster's struggles with the conceptual aspects, and the discussion is exploring various interpretations of the problem setup.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that their textbook only covers theoretical concepts without practical examples, which may be contributing to their confusion regarding the application of these concepts to the problem.

moonpearl
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
hi, I'm having trouble with another question:

2. A block of weight W is attached to the ceiling by a cord which makes an angle
θ = 30° to the vertical, and to the wall by a horizontal cord. If the tension in the cord
attached to the ceiling is 20 N, the tension in the horizontal cord will be
A) 20 N
B) 17 N
C) 12 N
D) 10 N

I keep getting to wrong answer. I'm really bad with angles and stuff, so I'm not sure how to solve this. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Since the block is in equilibrium, you should know that the vertical and horizontal components of the forces on it must add to zero. Hint: Consider the horizontal components.
 
This is a typical "Statics" question - there should be a lot of examples in your textbook.
 
my textbook is a conceptual physics textbook...only theory is covered...so there are no examples...
 
Make a sketch with the two ropes. Split the tension in the rope into horizontal and vertical components. The vertical component will be supporting the weight of the block. The horizontal component will be resisting the pull of the other, horizontal rope.

Clear?
 

Similar threads

Force pulling on a string at an angle with a block at the other end
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
The tension in the cord in this system
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Solve Tension in Rope: 110 Kg Anvil & 9.81m/s^2 Force
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Calculating tensions in ropes suspending an onject
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Find the tension in the two strings
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Resolving forces: Mass on a string
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Finding the tension of two cables holding an object at rest
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Tension and net torque in a cable
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
6K
Calculating Tension for a Box on a Horizontal Surface with Friction
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Tension between two sliding blocks
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
18K