Calculating the tesion in a string holding a 1 meter stick

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the tension in a string holding a meterstick after one of the strings is cut. The problem involves concepts from mechanics, including free body diagrams and torque calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss calculating torque about the attachment point of the left string and using integral calculus to analyze the forces and torques acting on the stick. Questions arise regarding the correctness of the calculations and the interpretation of terms used in the equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and attempted to derive the tension, while others have suggested re-evaluating certain steps and clarified the use of fundamental principles like the sum of forces. There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches without a clear consensus on the correctness of the methods used.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available and the methods they can use. There is a focus on ensuring the calculations align with the principles of mechanics.

saurabheights
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A meterstick (L = 1 m) has a mass of m = 0.13 kg. Initially it hangs from two short strings: one at the 25 cm mark and one at the 75 cm mark.



What is the tension in the left string right after the right string is cut?



Calculating the free body diagram where we put the acceleration of center of mass of the plank, mg and T.
 
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Hint: Consider torques about the point where the left string attaches to the stick.
 
Yeah did that. I first calculated torque about the left string using integral calculas over a thin piece of stick at distance x. The total torque calculated was MGL/4. Then calculated Inertia. It came out to be 7ML^2/48. Then, I calculated angular acceleration as = 7g/12L.

Finally, I calculated tension using free body diagram → T-mg+ ∫(dm * α * x) = 0
→T-mg+∫(M/L*α*x.dx) = 0
where x went from -0.25 to +0.75.

T = mg-∫(ML*dm/L*x.dx)

Is this the correct solution?
 
saurabheights said:
Yeah did that. I first calculated torque about the left string using integral calculas over a thin piece of stick at distance x. The total torque calculated was MGL/4. Then calculated Inertia. It came out to be 7ML^2/48.
Good.
Then, I calculated angular acceleration as = 7g/12L.
Redo that calculation.

Finally, I calculated tension using free body diagram → T-mg+ ∫(dm * α * x) = 0
Not sure what you are doing here or what that last term represents.

Just use: ƩF = ma
 

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