How Do You Calculate the Tension in a Cable Supporting a Boom at an Angle?

  • Thread starter Thread starter katiegerster
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics Tension
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in a horizontal cable supporting a boom at an angle of 68 degrees from the vertical, with a suspended mass of 169 kg and a boom mass of 90 kg. The problem requires applying static equilibrium principles, including resolving forces into their X and Y components and utilizing torque equilibrium equations. Participants emphasize the importance of drawing a free-body diagram to visualize forces and their directions, which is crucial for solving the tension accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static equilibrium principles
  • Ability to resolve forces into X and Y components
  • Familiarity with torque equilibrium equations
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically sine
NEXT STEPS
  • Review static equilibrium problems in physics
  • Practice drawing free-body diagrams for various scenarios
  • Learn how to resolve forces at angles using trigonometric functions
  • Study torque calculations and their applications in engineering mechanics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineering students, and anyone involved in mechanics or structural analysis who needs to understand the principles of tension in static systems.

katiegerster
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



2. A mass M=169 kg is suspended from the end of a uniform boom.The boom (mass=90.0 kg, length=3.60 m) is at an angle θ=68.0 deg from the vertical, and is supported at its mid-point by a horizontal cable and by a pivot at its base. Calculate the tension in the horizontal cable.



Homework Equations



T=mg
T=ma


The Attempt at a Solution



i am not sure how to solve for tension when given an angle. i know i need to use sin(68) somewhere in the problem i am just confused as to where
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is again a static equilibrium problem. You need a review, I am afraid.
 
Can you draw the diagram confidently, showing all the forces? What are all the forces (magnitude, direction, line of action - use symbols for unknowns as necessary)? Do you know how to resolve a force at an angle into X and Y components? Can you then write the various force and torque equilibrium equations?
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
6K
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K