Find Tension of cable and momentum about point

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in a vertical cable supporting a 200kg door at a 30-degree angle. Participants clarify the need to analyze forces in both the x and y directions, emphasizing that the tension and gravitational force act vertically, thus no horizontal forces exist at the hinge. The importance of distinguishing between torque and momentum is highlighted, with torque being the relevant concept for this problem. A free body diagram is suggested to visualize the forces and moments acting on the door. The conversation ultimately aims to resolve the confusion around the components of tension and the forces at play.
Pete_01
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Homework Statement


A door is held open by a cable, which is vertical, and the door is 200kg (its center of gravity is midway along the door). Calculate the tension of the rope and the momentum at the hinge A for angle theta = 30 degrees. Picture here: http://i54.tinypic.com/160wqxk.jpg"


Homework Equations


sum of forces = (sum of forces in x)+(sum of forces in y) = 0
sum of momentum(about A) = rxF


The Attempt at a Solution


First I attempted to find the sums of forces in the x and y directions:
(sum forces x dir): Ax - Wsin30
(sum forces y dir): Ay+T-Wcos30
where the hinge has two forces, and Ax and Ay acting on it.

(sum momentum about A): This is where I get stuck.

Am I approaching this right? I feel like I need to break up the Tension (T) into x and y?

Thanks.
 
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Find the component of T and force of door due to gravity that is perpendicular to the door. T wants to rotate the door clockwise. The force due to gravity wants to rotate the door ccw around A. You can solve for T directly.
 
Would the angle I use for T be 30 degrees?
 
You are using the wrong terminology...it's moment (or torque), not momentum.

If you draw a free body diagram of the door, the weight force of the door produces a moment about A, and the tension force in the vertical rope produces a counterbalancing moment about A. There is no horizontal force at the hinge.
 
PhanthomJay said:
You are using the wrong terminology...it's moment (or torque), not momentum.

If you draw a free body diagram of the door, the weight force of the door produces a moment about A, and the tension force in the vertical rope produces a counterbalancing moment about A. There is no horizontal force at the hinge.

I guess I'm still a bit confused. My book shows a pin support (a hinge) with two force components, Ax and Ay.
 
Yes, what is the component of T perpendicular to the door and creating a torque cw around A?
 
Both T and F_g due to the mass of the door are in the vertical, (Y) direction. There is no R_x unless there is a force in the horizontal, (x-direction). What are the sum of the forces in the x-direction?
 
RTW69 said:
Both T and F_g due to the mass of the door are in the vertical, (Y) direction. There is no R_x unless there is a force in the horizontal, (x-direction). What are the sum of the forces in the x-direction?

Wait, what do you mean by R_x? The sum of the forces in the x-dir would be A_x+W_x+T_x correct?
 
Pete_01 said:
Wait, what do you mean by R_x? The sum of the forces in the x-dir would be A_x+W_x+T_x correct?
Yes. Note we are considering the x direction as the horizontal direction. Since in the free body diagram of the beam the weight and tension have no horizontal components, then A_x must be ____?
 
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