An object suspended by 2 strings

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanics of an object suspended by two strings and the implications of the angles formed by these strings with respect to the horizontal. Participants are exploring the conditions under which one or both strings could be horizontal and the resulting forces involved.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the feasibility of having one or both strings horizontal and discussing the implications of such configurations on the forces acting on the suspended object. There are references to free-body diagrams and the analysis of tensions in the strings.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various interpretations of the problem, with some participants asserting that having horizontal strings is impossible for supporting a mass. Others suggest drawing free-body diagrams to analyze the situation further, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing examination of the forces in play when angles approach zero, and how this affects the vertical support of the mass. Participants are considering real-world implications and constraints of the setup.

crysland
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When two strings are used to suspend an object, is it possible for one or both of the angles to be zero (that is, one or both strings are horizontal to the ground) ? Why or why not? Deduce whether either of these scenarios is possible.

I say no, it's impossible but i really don't know how to explain this.
 
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What happens if both the angles are zero?
 
the string is horizontal?
 
So draw a free-body diagram for the situation and work out the tensions in the strings.

Repeat for a string the makes an angle ##\theta## to the horizontal and another string horizontal.
 
When theta is 0, it means there's no force in the y direction.
 
crysland said:
When theta is 0, it means there's no force in the y direction.
So... can the horizontal strings hold the mass up?
 
No, it can't
 
Which makes sense - two horizontal strings are basically just the one string stretched between two walls. IRL if you hang a mass off the middle, the string will no longer be horizontal - it gets a v shape.

Now do the free-body diagram thing again, but, this time, one string is horizontal and the other forms an arbitrary angle to the horizontal.
 

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