Distribution of weights and net force

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on how the angle of applied force affects the resultant force in a physics lab setting. Participants explain that forces are vectors that can be decomposed into x and y components, and the angle significantly influences the net force experienced. A free body diagram is recommended to visualize the forces at play and determine their vector sum. It is emphasized that the angle, along with mass and gravity, are the primary factors affecting force. The conversation concludes that even minor changes in angle can lead to substantial variations in force due to the nature of vector components.
SpicyRamen
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Can someone explain to me why putting different weights in certain angles can alter the force. I was just doing a lab in class using a force table, where the weights dangled and you have to prevent the ring from touching the pole in the center. If the mass of the object doesn't change and ( I'm assuming the gravity is the same applying to all weights), why does the force become greater( or less) in certain areas? and what would one use find the resultant force of two angles?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Can you look at that table and mentally see "x" and "y" axes? What angles would those axes be at?

Since forces are vectors, they can be "broken up" into x and y components. How do you do that?

What formulas describe static equilibrium.

Come back with some of these, or similar, questions answered and some work shown.
 
SpicyRamen said:
If the mass of the object doesn't change and ( I'm assuming the gravity is the same applying to all weights), why does the force become greater( or less) in certain areas?

Because the angle of applied force has changed.

SpicyRamen said:
...and what would one use find the resultant force of two angles?

The resultant force is the vector sum of the components.
 
"Because the angle of applied force has changed."

It can't be just as simple as that can it? Just the angle? Is there another factor that is acting on it that increases( or decreases) the force, besides the the angle, the mass, and gravity? I already turned in the lab before I made this thread so you guys don't have to worry about me leeching, I am just curious how changing a couple of degree, even if minor can have such a great affect.
 
SpicyRamen said:
"Because the angle of applied force has changed."

It can't be just as simple as that can it? Just the angle? Is there another factor that is acting on it that increases( or decreases) the force, besides the the angle, the mass, and gravity? I already turned in the lab before I made this thread so you guys don't have to worry about me leeching, I am just curious how changing a couple of degree, even if minor can have such a great affect.

Yes it is that simple.

Draw a free body diagram, which will help you determine the vector sum.

Think about what a vector is. It has magnitude AND direction. So as the direction (angle) changes so will the resultant force.
 

Thread 'Average velocity as a weighted mean'

Hello everyone, Consider the problem in which a car is told to travel at 30 km/h for L kilometers and then at 60 km/h for another L kilometers. Next, you are asked to determine the average speed. My question is: although we know that the average speed in this case is the harmonic mean of the two speeds, is it also possible to state that the average speed over this 2L-kilometer stretch can be obtained as a weighted average of the two speeds? Best regards, DaTario
View full post »
Thread 'Beam on an inclined plane'

Thread 'Beam on an inclined plane'

Hello! I have a question regarding a beam on an inclined plane. I was considering a beam resting on two supports attached to an inclined plane. I was almost sure that the lower support must be more loaded. My imagination about this problem is shown in the picture below. Here is how I wrote the condition of equilibrium forces: $$ \begin{cases} F_{g\parallel}=F_{t1}+F_{t2}, \\ F_{g\perp}=F_{r1}+F_{r2} \end{cases}. $$ On the other hand...
View full post »

Thread 'Effect of mass on the acceleration of an elastic pendulum?'

I know that mass does not affect the acceleration in a simple pendulum undergoing SHM, but how does the mass on the spring that makes up the elastic pendulum affect its acceleration? Certainly, there must be a change due to the displacement from equilibrium caused by each differing mass? I am talking about finding the acceleration at a specific time on each trial with different masses and comparing them. How would they compare and why?
View full post »

Similar threads

B Why Is an Object's Weight Equal to the Force of Gravity It Experiences?
2
Replies
51
Views
4K
I Understanding tension and centripedal force in a puck and weight
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Conservation of angular momentum during collisions
Replies
3
Views
3K
A Modeling the damping of a physical rigid pendulum
Replies
1
Views
2K
Conservative forces, Nonconservative forces and Potential Energy
Replies
9
Views
3K
Is the weight of an object exerted on another object?
Replies
6
Views
2K
What is causing the normal force in circular motion?
Replies
3
Views
3K
Component forces of a pendulum
Replies
2
Views
1K
B Questions about momentum and force as well as normal force/friction
Replies
35
Views
4K
Can Weight Transfer Cause a Car to Stay in a Stuck Position?
Replies
14
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top