Direction of Tension on Metal Rod by Cable

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mechanics of a metal rod supported by a cable and pinned at the bottom. Participants clarify that the tension in the cable acts downward due to the forces applied to the system, particularly when the rod is in a horizontal position. The ambiguity in the problem statement regarding the rod's orientation and the cable's reaction is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of clear definitions in physics problems. The consensus is that the tension direction is influenced by the rod's weight and the constraints of the support system.

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  • Understanding of static equilibrium in mechanics
  • Familiarity with tension forces and their directions
  • Knowledge of pin support and its implications in structural analysis
  • Basic principles of rotational motion and constraints
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Students of physics, mechanical engineers, and anyone studying structural mechanics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in understanding tension forces and support systems in static structures.

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Homework Statement


Let's say the metal rod is held by a cable and supported by a pin at the bottom, the reaction of thr cable is acted downwards... Why?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

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I wonder if the problem statement "should" have said:"Let's say the metal rod is hanging by a cable and pinned at the bottom, the reaction of the cable is downwards..."?? If so, your diagram is all wrong. (by "pinned", I mean bolted into some fixture where it is free to rotate in one plane through 180° (forward parallel to flat horizontal ground -- to straight up (90°) -- to backward parallel to ground).) This is just a guess since imho the problem statement isn't clear enough to answer unambiguously.
 
ogg said:
I wonder if the problem statement "should" have said:"Let's say the metal rod is hanging by a cable and pinned at the bottom, the reaction of the cable is downwards..."?? If so, your diagram is all wrong. (by "pinned", I mean bolted into some fixture where it is free to rotate in one plane through 180° (forward parallel to flat horizontal ground -- to straight up (90°) -- to backward parallel to ground).) This is just a guess since imho the problem statement isn't clear enough to answer unambiguously.
i mean the horizontal metal rod id held by a cable , the cable is supported by the pin on the ground . My question is why the direction of tension of cable is in downward direction ?
 

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