Calculate Force AB & Angle Support System

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The discussion focuses on calculating the force in a cable (Force AB) and the angle in a support system involving two forces: a horizontal force of 100 and a vertical weight of 200. Participants emphasize the importance of using the correct equations for equilibrium, specifically the sum of forces in both the x and y directions. The use of a free body diagram is recommended to identify known and unknown forces, leading to two equations with two unknowns. A suggestion is made to apply the Pythagorean theorem to find the resultant force and angle, correcting earlier mathematical errors in the calculations. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in applying fundamental physics principles to solve the problem effectively.
Dellis
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Hi, I been trying to do this exercise, visually it looks very basic but I just need some guidance, thanks in advance :).

Homework Statement



Calculate the Force AB in Cable and the angle(theta symbol) for support system shown.

Point A pinned and Point B connected as a cable at an angle( not given ), Point B with a Force of 100 going to the right and a Weight of 200, like displayed below.


A
\_________>F=100
|B
|
|
|
[W]=200

Homework Equations

\SigmaFx=0
\SigmaFy=0
\SigmaM=0

The Attempt at a Solution

1st step- The free Body Diagram showing all the forces

2nd step- Guidance needed at this point, is this the right direction?

\SigmaFxy= 100-200=0
 
Last edited:
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Dellis said:
Hi, I been trying to do this exercise, visually it looks very basic but I just need some guidance, thanks in advance :).


Homework Statement



Calculate the Force AB in Cable and the angle(theta symbol) for support system shown.

Point A pinned and Point B connected as a cable at an angle( not given ), Point B with a Force of 100 going to the right and a Weight of 200, like displayed below.


A
\_________>F=100
|B
|
|
|
[W]=200



Homework Equations




\SigmaFx=0
\SigmaFy=0
\SigmaM=0


The Attempt at a Solution




1st step- The free Body Diagram showing all the forces
Great start. What are the forces acting, both known and unknown?
2nd step- Guidance needed at this point, is this the right direction?

\SigmaFxy= 100-200=0
No, what are you doing here? It's sum of F_x = 0, and sum of F_y =0. What are the x components of all the forces; what are the y components of all the forces? You'll get 2 equations with 2 unknowns (T and theta), which you can solve. Alternatively, it may be simpler to compute the resultant (magnitude and direction) of the applied loads, and the Tension must be equal and opposite to that resultant.
 


PhanthomJay said:
Great start. What are the forces acting, both known and unknown?

No, what are you doing here? It's sum of F_x = 0, and sum of F_y =0. What are the x components of all the forces; what are the y components of all the forces? You'll get 2 equations with 2 unknowns (T and theta), which you can solve. Alternatively, it may be simpler to compute the resultant (magnitude and direction) of the applied loads, and the Tension must be equal and opposite to that resultant.
1. Forces are on a STABLE situation, Force POINT A meets with POINT B which then its Force shows going in a Horizontal direction, then the TENSION of the Weight literally comes down from POINT B2. So its like this?...

F_x = 0
F_x= 100lb

F_y= 0
F_y = -200 lb3. I am confused, is it possible to even use the Triangle Method for this? or that would be making things to complicated?

Show me a route I can follow, this problem visually seems to be basic but I just don't know how to approach it.
 
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Dellis said:
1. Forces are on a STABLE situation, Force POINT A meets with POINT B which then its Force shows going in a Horizontal direction, then the TENSION of the Weight literally comes down from POINT B


2. So its like this?...

F_x = 0
F_x= 100lb
F_x can't simultaneously be 0 and 100. The equation at joint B is sum of all forces in the x direction is 0. You have 100 units of force acting to the right, and T* cos theta units of force acting to the left.
F_y= 0
F_y = -200 lb
Same comment; 200 acting down and T*sin theta acting up, sum of which are 0.
3. I am confused, is it possible to even use the Triangle Method for this? or that would be making things to complicated?
Yes, that's the easiest way. Use Pythagorus' theorem to calculate the hypotenuse of a triangle with legs of 200 and 100, and calculate the proper angle. The tension is then equal and opposite to this result.
 


PhanthomJay said:
Yes, that's the easiest way. Use Pythagorus' theorem to calculate the hypotenuse of a triangle with legs of 200 and 100, and calculate the proper angle. The tension is then equal and opposite to this result.

Right direction?C(2)= A(2)+B(2)

A(2)= 100(2) + 200(2)

\sqrt{}A(2)= 3000

A= 173.2 lb
 
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Dellis said:
Right direction?


C(2)= A(2)+B(2)

A(2)= 100(2) + 200(2)

\sqrt{}A(2)= 3000

A= 173.2 lb
Ahh, your math is not so good. C is the hypotenuse of the triangle, which you are trying to find. A and B are the legs, given. C must be greater than A or B. It's C^2 = A^2 + B^2. Solve for C.
 


PhanthomJay said:
Ahh, your math is not so good. C is the hypotenuse of the triangle, which you are trying to find. A and B are the legs, given. C must be greater than A or B. It's C^2 = A^2 + B^2. Solve for C.
Yeah that's why I need help with it :frown:, but anyways I did it again and Its the same thing, so the answer will be now

C^2 = A^2 + B^2

C^2= 200^2 + 100^2

\sqrt[]{}C^2= 30000

C= 173.2 lbWhat is the next step?, help me out here, I know you probably did the problem in your head already, guide me.
 
Last edited:


Dellis said:
Yeah that's why I need help with it :frown:, but anyways I did it again and Its the same thing, so the answer will be now

C^2 = A^2 + B^2

C^2= 200^2 + 100^2
yes.
\sqrt[]{}C^2= 30000

C= 173.2 lb
Your math is in error.

C^2 = 40000 + 10000 =50000
\sqrt C} = \sqrt 50000 = ?
 

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