How Do Angles Affect the Forces in Lifting Tongs?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the forces acting on lifting tongs, specifically the vertical forces F and G and their relationship to the angles involved. The load applies a downward force of Mg/2 on each tong, necessitating an understanding of equilibrium and mechanical advantage. Participants emphasize the importance of analyzing the tongs as free bodies and suggest calculating moments to determine the tension in rod DE and the forces at points F and G. The coordinates of points A and B are deemed unnecessary for solving the problem.

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Gauss M.D.
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The Attempt at a Solution



I think I just need a kickstart figuring out what the forces in the vertical direction of F and G are. I am guessing F and G are exerting a force in the direction of their normal, but I have no idea how to figure out the angle of that normal. Really lost :(
 

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You can solve this by concentrating on the tongs as the 'free bodies'. The load applies a vertically downward force Mg/2 on each, and you just need to compute the horizontal force it must apply in equilibrium.
Another approach is to think in terms of mechanical advantage. If the load were to descend some small distance dy, how much closer would the ends of the tongs get?
 
Thanks for the help. I can't seem to work out the coordinates of points A or B however. I think I need those to calculate moments, but I'm not sure how to find them...
 
It is not possible to determine the co-ordinates of those points, but it turns out not to matter.
Can you find the tension in the rod DE? Can you then take moments about F in rod DAF?
 

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