How Do You Calculate the Tension in a Rope Holding a Leaning Beam?

[Fusilli_Jerry89]

Homework Statement

A 24 kg beam of length 2.4 m leans against a smooth wall. A horizontal rope is tied to the wall and holds the beam on a frictionless floor. The beam makes an angle of 55 degrees with the floor. WHat is the tension in the rope? (The rope is on the floor.

Homework Equations

torque=force|| x distance

The Attempt at a Solution

(Torque at the bottom of the beam)
24kg x 9.8 x cos55 x 1.2m + T x cos35 x 2.4m = F(normal1) x cos55 x 2.4m

(torque at the top)
24kg x 9.8 x cos55 x 1.2m = F(normal2) x cos35 x 2.4m + Ff x cos55 x 2.4m

Now what?

 

[Doc Al]

I don't understand your equations. Please identify all the forces acting on the beam: where they act, their direction and symbol.

Also realize that setting net torque equal to zero is only one of the conditions for equilibrium. What about the net force?