Find the tension in a cable and the reaction about a point

In summary, the tension in a cable is calculated using the formula T = F * sin(θ), where T is the tension, F is the force applied to the cable, and θ is the angle between the cable and the direction of the force. The reaction force at a point is the force that is exerted by a structure or object on another object or structure at a specific point, and in the context of finding tension in a cable, it refers to the force exerted by the point where the cable is attached to a structure or object. The length of the cable does not directly affect the tension, but it can indirectly affect it by changing the angle between the cable and the direction of the force. Other factors that can affect
  • #1
wannawin
14
0

Homework Statement


Find the tension in the cable CD and the reaction at point B.
a=1.5 m
w= 50 kg

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/5595/cusersjoshappdatalocalt.th.png

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Homework Equations


Sum of forces=0
Sum of moments=0

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not really sure where to start on this one. I'm thinking about finding the moments about point D, but I don't know if that will even give me anything useful.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yes, that is fine, and will be useful.
 

1. How do you calculate the tension in a cable?

The tension in a cable is calculated using the formula T = F * sin(θ), where T is the tension, F is the force applied to the cable, and θ is the angle between the cable and the direction of the force.

2. What is the reaction force at a point?

The reaction force at a point is the force that is exerted by a structure or object on another object or structure at a specific point. In the context of finding tension in a cable, it refers to the force exerted by the point where the cable is attached to a structure or object.

3. How does the length of the cable affect the tension?

The length of the cable does not directly affect the tension, but it can indirectly affect it by changing the angle between the cable and the direction of the force. As the length of the cable increases, the angle decreases, resulting in a decrease in tension.

4. What factors can affect the tension in a cable?

Aside from the length of the cable, other factors that can affect tension include the magnitude and direction of the force applied to the cable, the angle between the cable and the direction of the force, and the weight or load on the cable.

5. Can the reaction force at a point be greater than the applied force?

No, the reaction force at a point can never be greater than the applied force. According to Newton's third law of motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Therefore, the reaction force at a point will always be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the applied force.

Similar threads

  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
757
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
795
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
9K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
980
Back
Top