Finding magnitude of the tension of a cord

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The problem involves determining the magnitudes of the tensions in two massless cords supporting a 20kg block in equilibrium. The relevant equations include the sum of forces equating to mass times acceleration (\(\Sigma Forces = m \cdot a\)) and the normal force expressed as \(N = mg \cdot \cos(\theta)\). It is established that the block's weight (W) is not zero, as it has a mass of 20kg, and the equilibrium condition requires the sum of forces in both x and y directions to equal zero. The tension in cord A has both x and y components, while cord B only has a horizontal component.

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Homework Statement


A 20kg block is held in equilibrium by two massless cords, A, B. A is attached to the wall and B is attached to the ceiling. Find the magnitudes of the tensions of the cords.

Visual: http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx228/schuyler2_va/untitled.jpg?t=1260816320


Homework Equations


[tex]\Sigma[/tex] Forces = m*a

Normal force = mg(cos [tex]\theta[/tex])


The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\Sigma[/tex] Forces = Tension of A + Tension of B + W + N
Tensions+Weight = ma

N = mg(cos [tex]theta[/tex])
W = 0
Tension A =?
Tension B=?

^not sure how to find the magnitudes
 
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schyuler2 said:

Homework Statement


A 20kg block is held in equilibrium by two massless cords, A, B. A is attached to the wall and B is attached to the ceiling. Find the magnitudes of the tensions of the cords.

Visual: http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx228/schuyler2_va/untitled.jpg?t=1260816320


Homework Equations


[tex]\Sigma[/tex] Forces = m*a

Normal force = mg(cos [tex]\theta[/tex])


The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\Sigma[/tex] Forces = Tension of A + Tension of B + W + N
Tensions+Weight = ma

N = mg(cos [tex]theta[/tex])
W = 0
Tension A =?
Tension B=?

^not sure how to find the magnitudes
There isn't any normal force in this problem, just gravity and tension forces. Why do you say W=0 when it is given that the block has a mass of 20 kG? And since the block is in equilibrium, sum of forces is 0, because a is 0. When you sum forces, look in the x and y directions separately, or else the problem becomes vectorially overwhelming. Note that the upper cord has an x and y component of tension, while the horizontall cord has a horizontal component only.
 

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