Solving Newton's First Law: Spider Attached to Two Threads

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in two threads attached to a spider, which is motionless and has a mass of 30 mg. According to Newton's First Law, the sum of forces acting on the spider must equal zero. The tension in each thread, T1 and T2, is equal due to symmetry, resulting in a calculated tension of 3.0 x 10^-4 N for each thread, contrary to the initial confusion regarding the values. The correct application of vector forces clarifies the solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's First Law of Motion
  • Basic knowledge of vector forces
  • Familiarity with tension in strings or threads
  • Ability to perform basic algebraic calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector decomposition in physics
  • Learn about equilibrium conditions in static systems
  • Explore applications of Newton's Laws in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate tension calculations in various configurations
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of forces and tension in static systems.

brad sue
Messages
270
Reaction score
0
Please ,
Explain me this situation
A spider is attached to two threads of equal length that make a 120o angle with each other. The spider is motionless and its mass is m=30mg.
What is the tension in each thread?

According to the Newton first Law, the sum of the force must be 0.

T1+T2+Fspider=0
since the threads are the same length and symetrical, T1=T2.

Fspider=-3.0 *10-4N

so I found T1=1.5 *10-4N

I am surprised to see that the answer is 3.0 *10-4N on each thread

please now I am confused! help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Forces are vectors...
 
Hurkyl said:
Forces are vectors...
ok but how it is help me please?
 

Similar threads

Newton's law problem: Helicopter lifting a box with a rope
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Tension force of a thread in a complex structure of six masless rods
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Acceleration of a mass lowered by a motor (Help with Non-Ideal Pulley)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Newton's Third Law Problem: Two masses, a rope and a pulley
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
11K
Solving for Masses in an Atwood Machine
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Newton's Laws Homework question: Double incline mass problem
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
I've been staring at this Newtons first law assignment for hours
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Basic Inertia/Newton's Laws Questions
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
Newton's Law of Cooling for Multilayers
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Torque lost using Newton's law of viscosity
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K