Calculating tension in each of 3 strings

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the tension in three strings of unequal lengths supporting a mass of 50g, with constraints on their orientation in different planes. Participants explore the implications of the strings' arrangement and the definitions of the coordinate planes involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the orientation of the strings in relation to the coordinate planes and gravity, questioning how to define the angles and the fixed points of the strings. There is also consideration of the potential for multiple solutions based on different configurations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering suggestions for visualizing the problem through free body diagrams and questioning the assumptions regarding the strings' fixed points. Some guidance has been provided regarding the arrangement of the strings, but no consensus has been reached on the specific approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of explicit definitions for the fixed points of the strings and the requirement for unequal lengths, which adds complexity to the problem. There is also an emphasis on the need for clarity regarding the angles at which the strings are oriented.

mathsgeek
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I have got a question i am having a lot of trouble with. The question is that three strings on unequal lengths are used to support a mass of 50g. All of these strings are used to support the weight. Two of these strings cannot be in the same plane as the other string. Determine the tension in each String.

Well, i have 2 strings in the i and j plane and was thinking to have a third string in the k or k and j plane. However i do not know if this is correct. Also, could someone show me the general steps on how to calculate the tension in each string as i am having trouble with calculating this.
 
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It's going to depend exactly on how you define your planes and the angles that follow.
 
well the planes are goin to be defined in terms of i, j and k.
 
So you're putting the j plane parallel to the acceleration due to gravity?
There are potentially infinite solutions to this question, I must be interpreting it incorrectly. Is that the exact wording of the question? Could you not have 1 string hanging from a ceiling straight down parallel to gravity, then two strings of equal tensions opposing each other perpendicular to the acceleration due to gravity?
 
The strings have to be of unequal length though. And yes the j component is the same as y. (vertical)
 
It gives no definition of where they have to be fixed though? The end that is not fixed to the mass I mean.
 
its basically fixed to a wall or sumthing, so it must be fixed at both ends.
 
any1? Its urgent. Thanks
 
Draw a freebody diagram.

Fnet = 0 for x, y, and z directions.

It depends on what angles the strings are oriented, which you know (hopefully) but we don't know.
 
  • #10
Heres a pic of 2 of the strings:
http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/7268/25255782he6.th.png http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php

i just can't think of the length to place the third one in the k (or k and j) plane. Could u guys make sum suggestions and show me the process and calculations with ur sugeested length as i am having trouble calculating it. Thanks
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11
Yes, placing the 3rd string in the k-j plane would make sense. Are you free to choose the string lengths and angles? Making the arrangement as symmetric as possible is probably the best way to approach this, so perhaps making all 3 string lengths equal.
 

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