Cable Tension Problem: Calculating Tension in Cables with Changing Angles

  • Thread starter Thread starter Emo Grass
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cable Tension
AI Thread Summary
To calculate the tension in the cables supporting a 25N box at 30-degree angles, the equilibrium condition can be expressed as 25N = 2Tcos60. This equation balances the weight of the box with the vertical components of the tension in the cables. If the angles change to 5 degrees, the tension will increase due to the steeper angle, which reduces the vertical component of the tension. The same equilibrium equation can be applied to find the new tension value. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving similar cable tension problems.
Emo Grass
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


There is a box that weighs 25N hanging by two cables. Both of the angles between the cables and the box on both opposite sides are 30 degrees. Find the tension in the cables. If the angles were changed to 5 degrees each how would the tension change.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I've been working on this for half an hour and I still can't figure it out. It doesn't look that complicated but I'm stuck because my teacher has been gone all week. Please help.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
From your description, it sounds like the cables form a V with the box at the bottom. This is an equilibrium problem, so you need to set two sides of an equation equal to each other. One side is 25N, other side will be 2 (because there are two cables) multiplied by the tension multiplied by cos(90-30). So you have:

25 = 2Tcos60

You should be able to get the second part easily with the same equation.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Finding the tension of two cables holding an object at rest
Replies
7
Views
2K
Tension and net torque in a cable
Replies
10
Views
5K
Minimizing tension in the cables
Replies
20
Views
5K
What is the tension in each cable holding up a 100kg Halloween decoration?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Find the tension in the cable and the force the ramp exerts on the tires
Replies
8
Views
5K
Solving Cable Tension Problem with Given Angles and Mass
Replies
6
Views
3K
Calculating Tension and Net Force in Suspended Cable System
Replies
3
Views
3K
What is the Tension in Each Cable Supporting the Lamp?
Replies
6
Views
10K
Calculating Linear and Angular Motion in a Drum and Cable System
Replies
6
Views
5K
Calculating the Tension in Cables for Elevator Movement
Replies
7
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top