Find tension force of a cable and components of reaction force of pivot

[kurispice]

Homework Statement

Please see attached photos. I've been drawing and re-drawing diagrams but I'm at a loss. For part a, I've tried a right triangle using the top cable as the hypotenuse. I've tried the force equation (ƩF=ma) but I don't think that's right. I just can't get a start.

Homework Equations

See attached photo with help describing situation. Note also the angle ∅ has been changed from the book's problem from 65 to 55 degrees.

The Attempt at a Solution

I've started a diagram but I do not know what formulas to use for the math.
If you could walk me through the problem that would be great! I have an exam coming up in two days and have no other help in between.

 

[Villyer]

You need to use torque to find the tension in the wire, none of your work or what you mentioned seems to point to using torque.

 

[kurispice]

How do I use torque without knowing the distance in this formula? torque=F times distance
Also, how do I draw a diagram for each part of the problem?

 

[Villyer]

Use $\ell$ in your formulas, since they don't give you a length most likely it will drop out.


For a diagram, draw the rod and label all forces on it, with the angles included. They more or less gave you a diagram, so all that's left to do it label the forces and angles more clearly.

 

[kurispice]

Okay, thanks so much!
I'll try that now.