Tension of wires holding a suspended sign in equilibrium

In summary, a student is struggling with a physics problem involving a 15kg picture hanging from a hook on the wall. They are trying to find the tension in each wire, given one wire is at a cartesian angle of 220° and the other is at a cartesian angle of 320°. The student's teacher advised them to break the problem into vertical and horizontal components, but the student is having difficulty with substitution and finding the correct signs for the components. The teacher suggests using a sketch to help with the analysis.
  • #1
tigerlily5709
1
0
1.Hey guys, I've been struggling with this one for an hour and it SHOULD NOT be this hard for me.

A 15kg picture hangs from a hook on the wall. What is the tension in each wire if one is at a cartesian angle of 220° and one is at a cartesian angle of 320°?



2.

So my physics 20 teacher told me to break it into vertical and horizontal components. I solved for one of my tensions and then tried to substitute into my second equation...that's when things get scary. Please help!



3. I tried:

0N = -147.15N + Ft1 (sin 220°) + Ft2 (sin 320°)

I was trying to solve for Ft1 first.
 
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  • #2
tigerlily5709 said:
1.Hey guys, I've been struggling with this one for an hour and it SHOULD NOT be this hard for me.

A 15kg picture hangs from a hook on the wall. What is the tension in each wire if one is at a cartesian angle of 220° and one is at a cartesian angle of 320°?



2.

So my physics 20 teacher told me to break it into vertical and horizontal components. I solved for one of my tensions and then tried to substitute into my second equation...that's when things get scary. Please help!



3. I tried:

0N = -147.15N + Ft1 (sin 220°) + Ft2 (sin 320°)

I was trying to solve for Ft1 first.

You should check to see what quadrants your angles are in, and so make sure that the components you're extracting via sin and cos have the signs that you're expecting.

It's often expedient to make a sketch and use the given angles to label other angles that are more conveniently associated with the "usual" analysis steps.
 

Related to Tension of wires holding a suspended sign in equilibrium

1. What is tension and why is it important in holding a suspended sign in equilibrium?

Tension is the force exerted by a stretched object, such as a wire, in order to maintain its shape. In the case of a suspended sign, tension is crucial in maintaining the sign's position and preventing it from falling. Without sufficient tension, the sign would sag or collapse.

2. How is tension calculated in a suspended sign system?

Tension in a suspended sign system is calculated using the formula T = F * sinθ, where T is the tension force, F is the weight of the sign, and θ is the angle between the wire and the horizontal. This formula takes into account the direction and magnitude of the force acting on the wire to determine the tension required to keep the sign in equilibrium.

3. What factors can affect the tension of wires holding a suspended sign in equilibrium?

The tension of wires holding a suspended sign can be affected by several factors, such as the weight and shape of the sign, the angle of the wires, and the strength and elasticity of the wires themselves. External forces, such as wind or movement of the sign, can also impact the tension in the wires.

4. How can I ensure that the tension in my suspended sign system is sufficient?

To ensure that the tension in your suspended sign system is sufficient, you should carefully calculate the tension required for each wire based on the weight and angle of the sign. It is also important to use high-quality, properly sized wires and regularly check for any signs of wear or damage that could affect the tension. Consulting a professional engineer or using tension measuring tools can also help ensure the proper tension in your system.

5. Can the tension in a suspended sign system ever be too high?

Yes, the tension in a suspended sign system can be too high. It is important to carefully calculate and monitor the tension in order to avoid putting excessive stress on the wires and potentially causing them to break. Additionally, too much tension can cause the sign to be pulled too tightly, altering its position or causing it to deform. It is important to maintain a balance between sufficient tension and avoiding excess tension in order to keep the sign in equilibrium.

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