Another tension force question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a tension force problem involving a wire with a tension magnitude of 13.38 N and angles of 14 degrees below the x-axis. Participants debate the correct use of trigonometric functions Tcos(theta) and Tsin(theta) for calculating the components of tension, questioning which angle to apply in their equations. They clarify that the x-direction forces sum to zero due to equal and opposite tensions, while the y-direction forces are represented by 2Tsin(theta). The main uncertainty lies in determining the appropriate angle for theta, as it is crucial for accurate calculations. Understanding the angle's measurement from the positive x-axis is essential for solving the problem correctly.
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Homework Statement


See the attachment for the diagram and problem:
Ch4C WA2.jpg



Homework Equations


So the magnitude of the tension in the wire is 13.38 N. And each angle is 14 degrees below the x-axis, one on the positive side and one on the negative side.
Would I use my Tcos(theta) and Tsin(theta) equations for this? If so, which angle do I use? Because it would be counter clockwise from the x-axis, so NOT 14*, and they wouldn't be the same angle either.


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't really know how to start; I think I have everything I need, I just don't know which step to take first.
 
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Well ƩF=ma, so what are the forces acting on this?
 
I don't have a mass or acceleration though...is there a normal force exerted on it?
 
Ok, how about this, what are the forces in the x and y direction? There is no acceleration, therefore a=0 right? You have to find the force in each direction set them equal to 0 and you'll have the tension. ƩTx=what? ƩTy=what?
 
I think I got that part...
would you find the x and y components using Tcos(theta) and Tsin(theta) for each one? Do you have to do it for each angle? For the angle, would you do counter clockwise from the x-axis?
 
Well since the tensions are the same, it'd just be 2Tsinx for the y direction right? What happens to the x direction?
 
What angle would you use though?

And I'm not really sure for the x direction...is it 0? Or is it 2Tcos(theta)?
 
Ok this about the x direction. One Tx is going in the negative and one is going in the positive. If you sum them up, they become Tcosθ-Tcosθ and that equals 0 (because force is a vector, so it has a magnitude and direction, one positive and the other negative). So the forces in the x direction are 0. The y direction is different though.
Think about the direction of the y components.
 
The sum of the y components would be the 2Tsin(theta). I really just don't know what angle to use for theta.
 
  • #10
First off, what is the direction of the y component.
Second, the degree is in the picture? 14 degrees
 
  • #11
Is the degree in the picture the correct one to use in the equation? Since you have to put in the x and y coordinates; it might be 14 degrees BELOW the x-axis on either side, but the angle is measured counter-clockwise from the positive x-axis. So that's why I'm questioning it. I have the magnitude to plug into the 2Tsin(theta) equation, I just need an angle.
 
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