How do I solve this physics exercise (Equilibrium)?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics exercise related to equilibrium, specifically involving cable tensions and load distribution in a system with vertical and horizontal components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the distribution of a vertical load among cables, referencing geometric relationships such as a 3-4-5 triangle. Questions about the correctness of calculations and interpretations of tension in the cables are raised.

Discussion Status

Some participants express tentative agreement with calculations, while others provide alternative numerical results, indicating ongoing exploration of the problem. There is a focus on verifying the accuracy of the answers without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available and the methods they can use to solve the problem.

Tapias5000
Messages
46
Reaction score
10
Homework Statement
Determine the force required on each cable to sustain the load of 500lb
Relevant Equations
Σfx=0, Σfy=0, Σfz=0
1632608403797.png

I tried to solve it and I got the following, is it correct?
aa.png
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Looks ok.

Insofar as 2 of the cables are in the horizontal plane, then the 500 pound vertical load must all be carried by the vertical comp of cable CD. And with that 3-4-5 triangle, 3 fourths of it or 375 pounds , must go horizontally to the other 2 cables, and their being symmetric, that’s half again or 187.5 borizontally to each, or cable tension root 10/3 times that. Saves a few lines. At least on this one.
 
PhanthomJay said:
Looks ok.

Insofar as 2 of the cables are in the horizontal plane, then the 500 pound vertical load must all be carried by the vertical comp of cable CD. And with that 3-4-5 triangle, 3 fourths of it or 375 pounds , must go horizontally to the other 2 cables, and their being symmetric, that’s half again or 187.5 borizontally to each, or cable tension root 10/3 times that. Saves a few lines. At least on this one.
Are my answers correct?
 
Tapias5000 said:
Are my answers correct?
Near enough. I get 197.64...
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Tapias5000
haruspex said:
Near enough. I get 197.64...
ooh... maybe then only decimals are involved in the procedure... well I'll settle for that
 

Similar threads

How to find the equilibrium position of three masses (two of them fixed)?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
How to Solve Dynamics Exercise Involving Force Representation?
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
3K
How Do You Solve a Non-Equilibrium Pulley System with a 154 Degree Angle?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
896
Block A Reaches Equilibrium: 92N Force
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
987
How to calculate the force exerted by the "tendon" on the "tibia" bone?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Solving Equilibrium w/ Plank & Forces | Physics Problem
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Torque: find the force necessary for a body to be in equilibrium
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Resistance Association - How to solve this exercise in the proper way?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
730
Understanding Exercise 3 and 8 in Freefall and Motion Law
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
How to solve this balancing exercise? (towing a boat with two ropes)
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K