Finding Tension and Resultant Force | 3000N Cable Force Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sam Fred
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Static
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a transmission cable AB exerting a 3000N force on a pole. The objective is to determine the required tension T in the cable so that the resultant force at point A is vertical. The key insight is that the 3000N force acts in the direction of the tangent to the cable at point A, which is marked at an angle of -20° in the accompanying diagram. Understanding the relationship between the tension in the cable and the resultant force is crucial for solving the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector forces and equilibrium (ƩF = 0)
  • Basic knowledge of tension in cables and forces acting at angles
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions to resolve forces
  • Ability to interpret and analyze diagrams in physics problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of static equilibrium in physics
  • Learn about resolving forces into components using trigonometry
  • Explore the concept of tension in cables and its applications
  • Practice similar problems involving resultant forces and angles
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, engineering students, and anyone interested in understanding forces in static systems.

Sam Fred
Messages
15
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Q) A transmission cable AB exerts a 3000N force on the pole in the direction of the tangent to the cable at A (see Fig. 1). Determine the required tension T in the wire AB if the resultant of the two forces at A is to be vertical (1 point). Find the magnitude R of the resultant (2 points).
Untitled.jpg

Homework Equations


ƩF = 0

The Attempt at a Solution


image.jpg

I want to understand what does it mean that the 3000 N force on the pole in the direction of the tangent cable at A.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi Sam Fred! :smile:
Sam Fred said:
I want to understand what does it mean that the 3000 N force on the pole in the direction of the tangent cable at A.

I found that very puzzling until I looked at the diagram …

a cable will normally be slightly curved, as shown in the diagram

the tension will still be along the cable, so it will be in the direction of the cable at the point of attachment to the pole

ie it will be in the direction of the tangent to the cable where it meets the pole …

as you can see in the diagram, that tangent is marked as being at -20°, while the cable itself curves gracefully away from the tangent as it goes left :wink:
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K