Find the tension in each string

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To find the tension in three strings supporting a 5.00 kg mass, the weight (w) is calculated as 50 N using the formula w = mg. The challenge lies in determining the tensions in strings T1 and T2, with the hint suggesting to consider the equilibrium at the junction of the strings. A free body diagram is recommended to visualize the forces and their components. The user realized that overlooking vector components was the key mistake, leading to a clearer understanding of the problem. This approach ultimately helped in solving for the tensions in all three strings.
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Homework Statement



A mass of 5.00 kg hangs attached to three strings as shown in the figure (see image below). Find the tension in each string. Hint: Consider the equilibrium of the point where the strings join.

Homework Equations



W=mg

The Attempt at a Solution



Well finding the tension in string 3 (T3) was relatively easy:

w=mg
mass of the block = 5.00 kg
g = 10 ms-2
w = 5.00 x 10 = 50 N

It is the other two (T1 and T2) I'm not sure. In fact I'm at lost with what I learned in class and applying. I noticed the problem states a hint (equilibrium where strings join) but I'm not seeing how this information can be used.

**LINK TO THE PICTURE**: http://postimage.org/image/63m5xydbj/

http://postimage.org/image/63m5xydbj/
 
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mechanics_boy said:

Homework Statement



A mass of 5.00 kg hangs attached to three strings as shown in the figure (see image below). Find the tension in each string. Hint: Consider the equilibrium of the point where the strings join.

Homework Equations



W=mg

The Attempt at a Solution



Well finding the tension in string 3 (T3) was relatively easy:

w=mg
mass of the block = 5.00 kg
g = 10 ms-2
w = 5.00 x 10 = 50 N

It is the other two (T1 and T2) I'm not sure. In fact I'm at lost with what I learned in class and applying. I noticed the problem states a hint (equilibrium where strings join) but I'm not seeing how this information can be used.

**LINK TO THE PICTURE**: http://postimage.org/image/63m5xydbj/

[PLAIN]http://postimage.org/image/63m5xydbj/[/QUOTE]
First, I'll display the image, although it's of a fairly poor quality.

attachment.php?attachmentid=42362&stc=1&d=1325468334.jpg


Draw a free body diagram for the point at which the three strings meet.

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Thank you Sammy. I noticed what I had done wrong, I ignored to look at the vectorial components. After that, the rest unfolded easily. Thanks again :)
 
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