Calculating Tension in Suspended Cords for a 10kg Mass | Diagram Included

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in two cords supporting a 10 kg mass, with angles of 30 and 45 degrees from the ceiling. The weight of the mass is 98N, and the system is in equilibrium, requiring the balance of both horizontal and vertical forces. Participants emphasize the importance of vector components in determining the tension in each cord, specifically noting that both the sine and cosine functions are necessary for accurate calculations. The final solution involves resolving the forces to find the magnitudes of T1 and T2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as equilibrium and forces.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine.
  • Ability to analyze vector components in two-dimensional systems.
  • Knowledge of free-body diagrams for visualizing forces acting on objects.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of static equilibrium in physics.
  • Learn how to resolve forces using vector components in two dimensions.
  • Practice drawing and analyzing free-body diagrams for various scenarios.
  • Explore advanced applications of trigonometry in physics problems.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding tension in systems involving multiple forces and angles.

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A mass of 10 kg is suspended from a ceiling by two cords that make angles of 30 and 45 degrees with the ceiling. Find the tension in each of the cords.

This is how I set up my diagram.

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/1941/66920817mh7.th.jpg

I used the sine to try to find t1, but it doesn't work. I put the dotted line as 98N is that right?
 
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xCanx said:
A mass of 10 kg is suspended from a ceiling by two cords that make angles of 30 and 45 degrees with the ceiling. Find the tension in each of the cords.

I used the sine to try to find t1, but it doesn't work. I put the dotted line as 98N is that right?

The 98N will act from the weight down. It is in equilibrium. And there different contributions to supporting the 98N from each wire in the downward direction.

But ... there are also horizontal forces and they balance as well at the point attached to the weight. It is the vector sum of the horizontal and vertical forces - distributed in each wire that determines T in each wire.
 
can you tell me what I'm doing wrong? cause I understand that the object is in equilibrium.
 
xCanx said:
can you tell me what I'm doing wrong? cause I understand that the object is in equilibrium.

Sorry. I haven't seen your work. I only see your diagram.

Sine of T1 is only one component of the force acting along the line of T1.

Likewise for T2. Both x components are in equilibrium (it's not moving) as are both y components in equilibrium with the 98N down.

Solve then for the magnitude of each T.
 
i got it Thank you.
 

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