Forces in equilibrium. Tension, ring, pulley and lots of string [With Picture]

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving forces in equilibrium, specifically analyzing a system with a perfect pulley and a ring. The key variables to determine are angles a and c, as well as the tension between points A and B (TAB). The user has created a Free Body Diagram and established two equations based on the equilibrium condition but is facing difficulty due to having three unknowns and only two equations. The suggestion to apply trigonometric laws, such as the law of cosines and the law of sines, is highlighted as a potential method for progressing in the solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of equilibrium in physics
  • Knowledge of Free Body Diagrams
  • Familiarity with trigonometric laws, specifically the law of cosines and the law of sines
  • Basic concepts of tension in strings and pulleys
NEXT STEPS
  • Apply the law of cosines to find angles a and c in the context of the problem
  • Use the law of sines to relate the angles and tensions in the system
  • Explore the implications of a perfect pulley on tension calculations
  • Review examples of similar equilibrium problems involving pulleys and rings
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for examples of equilibrium problems involving tension and pulleys.

WilliamA
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Homework Statement


To make it easier on the people who will try to help me, I've scanned the problem:
wfydg.jpg


We are interested in finding the following variables:
Angles a and c
The tension between A and B (TAB)


Homework Equations


The pulley is a "perfect pulley" no friction
The system is at equilibrium
We consider on side A that the string is attached to the wall, or a hook, it's fixed.
All three cords are attached to a ring situated at position B
There is nothing between A and C, but we know there is 3 meters of distance between the two


The Attempt at a Solution


Alright so I decided to make a Free Body Diagram taking the ring as the subject. It goes like that:

ChGdh.jpg


Considering the pulley, I guess we can assume that TBC is going to to be the same as FA.

After that I decided to decompose each of the three forces, and since everything is at equilibrium, I've come with two equations (again in picture, going to be easier):

IXZa6.jpg


At that point I am stuck because I don't see any more equations involving those three unknown variables(a,c, TAB) I can do. So I have 3 unknown variables but only two equations.

Could someone please help me out?
 
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Have you considered using some of the trig laws? The law of cosines and the law of sines come to mind.
 

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