Finding force on a pole held by wires using vectors

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the forces acting on a pole supported by wires under maximum load. Participants emphasize the need to determine the magnitude and direction of these forces, particularly their vertical components. It is noted that each wire contributes equally to the vertical load, with the total load being three times the tension in a single wire due to symmetry. The use of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine, is highlighted for resolving the forces. Understanding these vector components is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
Physics news on Phys.org
What are all the forces (magnitude and direction) acting on the top of the pole when it's under maximum load?
What are their components in the vertical direction?
 
What haruspex said. Work out what each wire contributes to the vertical load on the pole. As all wires have same tension and geometry the total load is three times that.

It might help to remember that..

Cos(θ) = Adjacent/hypotenuse
= Adjacent/√(Adjacent2+Oposite2)
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K