# A very Inquisitive question - Finding Force of Tension

1. Mar 9, 2010

### Weebay

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Problem in Picture, I'm looking for the two forces of tension in the string, I expect the y-components to add to equal the force of gravity

2. Relevant equations
I used simple trig ratios to get the distances and angles.
Mainly using newtons second law F = ma

3. The attempt at a solution
here is a link at my attempt, I'm simply stumped beyond this point.

http://ioj.com/v/ytyqh [Broken]

Last edited by a moderator: May 4, 2017
2. Mar 9, 2010

### Weebay

help is greatly appreciated !

I'm helping out others in the meantime here

3. Mar 9, 2010

### benhou

Sorry, I am confused. The question first says "the rope", and then it says "two ropes". Are there just one or two? And it also says "5 m from on the rope from one side of the building". Shouldn't it be the horizontal distance of the person from the building and not the length of the rope from the building to the point where the person stands?

4. Mar 9, 2010

### Weebay

Sorry for the wording, it must have caused the confusion. I don't have the question on hand so im paraphrasing it as best as i Can. It says that a person (unrealistically) jumps onto a tight rope 5m away from its start ( total distance of rope is 17m, hence the 5m and 12 m sides ).

So yes i believe you should be solving for two seperate tensions ( of one rope ) , the tension in the 5m length and the tension on the 12 m length
This question is a little tricky only becuase it is not in the middle.

:grumpy: this is really getting to me

5. Mar 9, 2010

### benhou

Ok, according to your diagram, you have the data for the y-direction: $$T_{1y}+T_{2y}=mg$$