Calculating Acceleration of a 2.60 kg Object with Given Tensions and Angle

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the x-component of acceleration (ax) for a 2.60 kg object subjected to multiple tensions: T1=1.40 N, T2=2.80 N, T3=3.20 N, and T4=4.70 N, with an angle θ of 12.0°. The net force in the x-direction is determined using the equation F netx = m * a, leading to the formula a = (T1 * Cos θ - T3) / m. Participants noted the oversight of including T4's x-component in the calculations, which is crucial for obtaining the correct acceleration value.

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Homework Statement


The tensions of the ropes acting on a 2.60 kg object are shown. Find the value of ax, the x-component of the acceleration, if T1=1.40 N, T2=2.80 N, T3=3.20 N, T4=4.70 N, and θ=12.0°? Diagram:
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/3733/knpic0506bnew.png


Homework Equations


F netx = m * a
a = F netx / m


The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I added the two forces in the X direction simply by doing:

T1 * Cos θ - T3 = m*a

a = ( T1*Cos θ - T3 )/ a

However, I keep getting the wrong answer. Can anyone help me out? Thanks
 
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crazy_nuttie said:

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I added the two forces in the X direction simply by doing:
Looks like three of those forces have x-components. What about T4?
 

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