Find Maximum Separation of Points A & B with 4000N Tension in Ropes

  • Thread starter Thread starter atagl1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Tension
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the maximum separation between two points A and B while maintaining a tension limit of 4000 N in the ropes supporting a speaker. The initial separation is given as 6m, with the ropes forming angles with the ceiling and specific tension values mentioned.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss starting with a sketch and free-body diagram to analyze the forces involved. Questions arise regarding the geometric relationship of the ropes and the ceiling, as well as the interpretation of the tension values provided.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the problem's wording and the implications of the given data. Some participants are questioning the clarity of the information, particularly regarding the tension in the ropes and its relevance to the setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential ambiguities in the problem statement, particularly concerning the term "magnitude of each rope" and its implications for understanding the forces at play.

atagl1
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
The speaker is to be raised by increasing the separation between the points A
and B, but the ropes will break if the tension exceeds 4000 N. Find the maximum
possible separation between A and B; that is, when
the tensions in the ropes are equal to 4000 N.

The points are originally 6m apart, they make an angle of 41.4° with the ceiling, the magnitude of each rope is 370.6 N and the speaker weighs 50kg.


I'm completely unsure of how to start!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I would start by drawing a sketch of the speaker and the two ropes as described in the OP. Then, using a free-body diagram, I would determine the distance between A and B such that the speaker is supported and the total tension in the rope < 4000 N.
 
Do the ropes and the ceiling form an isosceles triangle? And what does this really mean: "the magnitude of each rope is 370.6 N"?
 
Yeah the ropes and the ceiling form an isosceles triangle. I'm not sure about the magnitude, that was just apart of the information given.
 
Is this exactly how the problem was worded? "The magnitude of a rope" does not make any sense to, plus it seems to be in the units of force. Could that be the initial tension in them?

Anyway, stick with SteamKing's advice for now.
 

Similar threads

Why Does Tension Vary Along the Rope in a Hanging Superhero Scenario?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
8K
Tension in a Massive Rotating Rope with an Object
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
7K
Rope between inclines with maximum length of hanging middle portion
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
7K
Tension on a Massive Rope: How to Calculate Tension at Different Points
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Tension in a rope hanging between two trees
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
9K
Point body of mass hung from a ceiling on two ropes
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
For a Pendulum: Knowing Acceleration Find Maximum Angle
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
4K
Maximum force on rope and wavefunction
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Tension in a rope at an angle with a hanging mass
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
System of two pulleys and three masses
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
7K