Horizontal force on a horizontal bar

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of horizontal forces acting on a horizontal bar, specifically addressing the tension in the rope (T) and the forces exerted by the wall and mass. The correct equations involve both torque and force balance, emphasizing the need to include gravitational acceleration (g) in the calculations. The tension was calculated as T = 2.38N using the angle θ = 39.7 degrees, but the methodology was critiqued for confusion in notation and omission of critical forces. Clear differentiation between tension, torque, and other forces is essential for accurate analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static equilibrium in physics
  • Knowledge of torque and force balance equations
  • Familiarity with tension calculations in ropes
  • Basic grasp of gravitational force (g) and its role in weight calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study static equilibrium principles in physics
  • Learn about torque balance equations and their applications
  • Explore tension calculations in various scenarios, including angles
  • Investigate the effects of gravitational force on static systems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, engineers, and anyone involved in mechanics or structural analysis will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focusing on static equilibrium and force analysis in systems involving ropes and bars.

marjine
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Homework Statement
A uniform horizontal bar of mass m and
length L = 1.59 m is held by a frictionless
pin at a wall. The opposite end of the strut is
supported by a cord with tension T at an angle θ. A block of mass 2 m is hung from thebar at a distance of 3/4 L from the pin. If the mass of the bar is mass m = 1.52 kg, find the magnitude of the horizontal component of the force of the wall acting on the bar
if the string makes an angle of 39.7◦ with the
horizontal.
The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s
Answer in units of N.
Relevant Equations
Tnet = sum Ti
T=rFsinθ
T=Ia
Tnet = 0 = Tcord-Twall-Tmass
TLsinθ-2m(3/4L)-m(1/2)L
TLsinθ= -(3/2)mL-(1/2)mL
T=m/sinθ
T= (1.52)/sin(39.7) = 2.38N
 

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If I am not mistaken, the symbol ##T## stands for the tension in the rope. That is not the horizontal force of the wall acting on the bar. The torque balance equation cannot give you that. You also need the force balance equations. Also, you omitted the acceleration of gravity ##g## from the weights.
 
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marjine said:
Tnet = 0 = Tcord-Twall-Tmass
TLsinθ-2m(3/4L)-m(1/2)L
=0, but that does not lead to:
marjine said:
TLsinθ= -(3/2)mL-(1/2)mL
Then you seem to have read that as +(3/2)mL-(1/2)mL to arrive at
marjine said:
T=m/sinθ
Also, your overuse of "T" is confusing. You have used it, as given, for the tension in the rope, as a base for subscripts for other forces (F would have been clearer) and for torque (try τ).
 
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