Finding angle of rod hanging by springs

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SUMMARY

The problem involves a uniform 1.4-kg rod, 0.60 m long, suspended by two springs with spring constants of 59 N/m and 39 N/m. The rod is in equilibrium, meaning the net torque and vertical forces (Fy) are zero. To find the angle the rod makes with the horizontal, one must calculate the force in each spring based on the rod's weight and the respective spring constants, then use trigonometric relationships to determine the angle based on the geometry of the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static equilibrium principles
  • Knowledge of Hooke's Law (F=kx)
  • Familiarity with torque calculations (τ=Fl)
  • Basic trigonometry for angle calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the weight of the rod using the formula W=mg
  • Determine the extension of each spring using their respective spring constants
  • Apply trigonometric functions to find the angle based on the geometry of the rod and springs
  • Explore similar problems involving static equilibrium and spring systems for practice
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and static equilibrium, as well as educators seeking examples of spring systems in equilibrium scenarios.

TmrK
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Homework Statement


A uniform 1.4-kg rod that is 0.60 m long is suspended at rest from the ceiling by two springs, one at each end. Both springs hang straight down from the ceiling. The springs have identical lengths when they are unstretched. Their spring constants are 59 N/m and 39 N/m. Find the angle that the rod makes with the horizontal.

Torque and Fy is 0 since rod is in equilibrium,


Homework Equations


F=kx, where k is the spring constant and x is the distance of the spring itself
\tau=Fl, where l is the lever arm.

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to plug in the different equations, but I always keep getting blocked by the fact that the torque and Fy is 0.
 
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Hi:smile:
I'm not certain, but how about taking moments on each end, using that the force acting upwerds on each end will be the product of the Spring Constant and the displacement of each end.
Then subtract the difference in the displacements, and you'll be left with a triangle with 2 known sides.
I can make a calculated example if you want?
 
If the rod is uniform and the supports at each end are vertical then the force in each support is the same.
Convert the mass of the rod into its weight in Newtons and you should be able to state the force in each support spring.
Use the spring constant to calculate how much each spring will extend.
The sloping rod connecting the springs is 0.6m long so you should be able to calculate an angle.
 

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