Find mass of a rope pulled by a force

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jahnavi
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Force Mass Rope
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the mass of a rope subjected to a force exerted at a 30° angle with the vertical. The force balance equations derived are F sin30° = 20 and F cos30° = Mg, leading to the conclusion that M = 2√3 Kg, which approximates to 3.5 Kg. The participant identifies an error in the provided answer key, asserting that the correct option is 3) rather than the initially stated 4).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as force balance and vector components.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine.
  • Knowledge of mass and weight relationships in physics.
  • Ability to solve algebraic equations involving trigonometric identities.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of force balance in static equilibrium.
  • Study trigonometric functions and their applications in physics problems.
  • Explore common mistakes in physics problem-solving and how to avoid them.
  • Practice similar problems involving forces at angles to reinforce understanding.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and force analysis, as well as educators looking for examples of common problem-solving errors in force balance scenarios.

Jahnavi
Messages
848
Reaction score
102

Homework Statement


rope.jpg


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



The force F exerted by the wall on the left end of the rope will make an angle 30° with the vertical . If we do the force balance ,

F sin30° = 20
Fcos30° = Mg

This gives M = 2√3 Kg . This gives 3.5 Kg . But answer given is option 4) . What is the mistake ?

Edit : There is a mistake in the answer key . Correct option is 3) .
 

Attachments

  • rope.jpg
    rope.jpg
    41.6 KB · Views: 829
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Your force balance is correct, as is your final result.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K