Force - finding tension in string

Thread starter santoki
Start date Apr 11, 2014
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Force String Tension Tension in string

In summary, tension in a string is a pulling force exerted by the string when it is stretched, with its magnitude equal to the force used to stretch the string. To calculate tension, one must know the mass, acceleration, and angle of the string, and use Newton's second law of motion and trigonometry. The tension is affected by the mass, acceleration, angle, length, and material of the string. While the tension is constant along the entire length of a uniform string, it can vary if the string is not uniform or stretched beyond its limits. Finding tension in a string is important for various scientific and engineering applications, such as designing structures and predicting the behavior of objects attached to strings.

Apr 11, 2014

santoki

Homework Statement

A fuzzy-dicer makes an angle of θ = 49.6° with respect to the vertical. The mass of the
fuzzy dice is 1.0 kg. What is the tension?

2. The attempt at a solution

(deleted answer)

Last edited: Apr 12, 2014

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Apr 12, 2014

Vibhor

santoki said:

[
Tcosθ = mg => T = mg/cosθ
= (0.15 kg)(9.8 m/s²)/cos30°
= 1.7 N

Correct

1. What is tension in a string?

Tension in a string is the force exerted by the string when it is stretched. It is a pulling force that acts along the length of the string, and its magnitude is equal to the force used to stretch the string.

2. How do you calculate tension in a string?

To calculate tension in a string, you need to know the mass of the object attached to the string, the acceleration of the object, and the angle of the string with respect to the horizontal. You can then use Newton's second law of motion (F=ma) and trigonometry to find the tension in the string.

3. What factors affect the tension in a string?

The tension in a string is affected by the mass of the object attached to it, the acceleration of the object, and the angle of the string with respect to the horizontal. Additionally, the length and material of the string can also affect the tension.

4. How does tension in a string change with distance?

The tension in a string is constant along its entire length as long as the string is uniform and not stretched beyond its limits. However, if the string is not uniform or is stretched beyond its limits, the tension can vary along its length.

5. Why is finding tension in a string important?

Finding tension in a string is important in many scientific and engineering applications, such as designing bridges, calculating the forces on a pulley system, or understanding the motion of a pendulum. It allows us to understand and predict the behavior of objects attached to strings and ensure their stability and safety.