Calculating the tension in a rope

  • Thread starter Thread starter Otolith
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Rope Tension
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in a rope supporting a heavy sack when a sideways force of 220N is applied, resulting in an inclination of 18 degrees to the vertical. To solve part A, the correct approach involves using trigonometric functions, specifically calculating the vertical and horizontal components of the forces. For part B, the mass of the sack can be determined by analyzing the tension derived from the calculations in part A and applying Newton's second law.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions and their applications in physics
  • Knowledge of Free Body Diagrams for visualizing forces
  • Familiarity with Newton's second law of motion
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to draw and interpret Free Body Diagrams in physics problems
  • Study the application of trigonometric functions in force resolution
  • Explore Newton's second law and its implications for mass and acceleration
  • Practice solving similar problems involving tension and inclined forces
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of tension in ropes and force analysis in mechanics.

Otolith
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A very heavy sack is hung from a rope and pushed sideways. When the sideways push is 220N the rope supporting the sack is inclined 18 degrees to the vertical.

A) Calculate the tension in the rope
B) Hence find the mass of the stack

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I'm really cluesless as to what to do on this question. For part A I figured I would try trig and did 220Sin(18) = 67.98. I have no idea if I did that right though, as for part B I thought it would be either splitting the answer I got for tension into it's components and and using the downward force or it would just be the same as the answer to A.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
First off, draw a Free Body Diagram. It will help you visualize all the forces involved. Make sure you include everything you know.

Secondly, notice that the angle is not 18 degrees, but 18 degrees to the vertical. That means is 18 degrees away from being 90 degrees.

If those don't help enough, come back and let us know where you're still stuck at.
 

Similar threads

Monkey accelerating up and down a rope
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K
How do I calculate the Tension in a rope going over a smooth pulley?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
Is it friction or tension acting on the person hanging on a rope?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Calculating Max Tension, Final Angle for Swinging on Rope Over Lake
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
5K
Struggling to make relation between elastic force and height
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Point mechanics -- Tension in a rope from a hanging mass
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Tension in a rope at the midpoint
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
9K
Tension in Ropes: Solving Forces on Trunk
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Tension on a Massive Rope: How to Calculate Tension at Different Points
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Mechanics Question- Massive Rope in a Pulley System
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K