How Do You Calculate the Tangential Force on a Pole?

[jumbogala]

Homework Statement

A pole is attached to a pivot point on the wall, making an angle x with the wall.

A piece of rope holds the other end of the rope to the wall.

The pole has length L, and the tension in the rope is T. Find the tangential force.

Homework Equations

The tangential force method involves finding the component of the applied force that is perpendicular to the displacement from the pivot point to where the force is applied. This perpendicular component of the force is called the tangential force.

The Attempt at a Solution

I thought it would be tangential force = T/cos x, because the angle the tangential makes with T will be x. So therefore, cos x = T/tangential force. But apparently that's wrong. Help?

 

[LowlyPion]

I'd suggest examining the moments about the pivot point.

Won't the projection of the Tangential force at length L have to balance the center of mass force at L/2?