How Do You Calculate the Tensions in a Two-Rope System with a Suspended Mass?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the tensions in a two-rope system supporting a mass of 36.8 kg, with both ropes forming an angle of 23.7 degrees. Participants are exploring the equilibrium conditions and the relationships between the tensions in the ropes.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to consider both horizontal and vertical components of the tensions. There are attempts to formulate equations based on these components, and questions arise about the independence of the equations derived from the forces involved.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into resolving the forces and have noted the importance of symmetry in the system. There is ongoing exploration of the relationships between the tensions, with some participants suggesting that the tensions may be equal due to the system's symmetry.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available and the methods they can use. The discussion includes questioning assumptions about the angles and the implications of different configurations on the tensions.

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Homework Statement


A mass of 36.8kg hangs from a system of ropes
Both angles Θ = 23.7 deg

http://i.minus.com/i7ZTPchjaji7q.PNG

Find the magnitude of the tensions T1 and T2

Homework Equations


T1sin(Θ)+T2sin(Θ)=mg

The Attempt at a Solution


I think you have to use the horizontal component of the tensions in this, but other than that, I am not really sure what to do here. Any help is appreciated.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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PierceJ said:

Homework Statement


A mass of 36.8kg hangs from a system of ropes
Both angles Θ = 23.7 deg

http://i.minus.com/i7ZTPchjaji7q.PNG

Find the magnitude of the tensions T1 and T2

Homework Equations


T1sin(Θ)+T2sin(Θ)=mg

The Attempt at a Solution


I think you have to use the horizontal component of the tensions in this, but other than that, I am not really sure what to do here. Any help is appreciated.

What about the vertical components? Don't they come into play as well?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Sorry, I meant to say that the horizontal bit is involved with the vertical bit somehow.
 
No, they both are independent equations. You have to resolve(split vectorially) the forces in the "direction along which the acceleration component is known", which here is all possible directions, as the object is in equilibrium. These directions may be mutually perpendicular but it is not always compulsory to do so, as in this case.
$$\Sigma \vec{F} = m \vec{a}$$ implies that we can take components in any directions i.e. $$\Sigma \vec{F}_{any direction} = m \vec{a}_{any direction}$$.
 
So:
T1sinΘ = mg?
 
PierceJ said:
So:
T1sinΘ = mg?

What made you think that?

No, you have three forces T1 ,T2 and the weight mg. Resolve these in the vertical and horizontal directions and you will get two equations.

Ashu2912 said:
No, they both are independent equations. You have to resolve(split vectorially) the forces in the "direction along which the acceleration component is known", which here is all possible directions, as the object is in equilibrium. These directions may be mutually perpendicular but it is not always compulsory to do so, as in this case.
$$\Sigma \vec{F} = m \vec{a}$$ implies that we can take components in any directions i.e. $$\Sigma \vec{F}_{any direction} = m \vec{a}_{any direction}$$.

What I meant here was that
(1) The equations you get are independent
(2) It is not always required to resolve in two mutually perpendicular directions :smile:
 
T1cosΘ+T2cosΘ = 0
T1sinΘ+T2sinΘ = mg

Is this correct?
 
PierceJ said:

Homework Statement


A mass of 36.8kg hangs from a system of ropes
Both angles Θ = 23.7 deg

http://i.minus.com/i7ZTPchjaji7q.PNG

Find the magnitude of the tensions T1 and T2

Homework Equations


T1sin(Θ)+T2sin(Θ)=mg

The Attempt at a Solution


I think you have to use the horizontal component of the tensions in this, but other than that, I am not really sure what to do here. Any help is appreciated.

To go back to your first post, you have almost solved this.

Here's the key question: why must ##T_1 = T_2##?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
PierceJ said:
T1cosΘ+T2cosΘ = 0
T1sinΘ+T2sinΘ = mg

Is this correct?

The first equation is not. When you resolve T1 and T2 in the horizontal direction, you get T1 cosθ and T2cosθ, but in which directions?
 
  • #10
Ashu2912 said:
The first equation is not. When you resolve T1 and T2 in the horizontal direction, you get T1 cosθ and T2cosθ, but in which directions?

Ah, so its T1cosΘ-T2cosΘ = 0?

Here's the key question: why must T1=T2?
Because the system is in equilibrium?
 
  • #11
PierceJ said:
Ah, so its T1cosΘ-T2cosΘ = 0?Because the system is in equilibrium?

Not just equilibium. Also, because the system is Symmetrical.

You've done the maths now with the horizontal forces to show that ##T_1 = T_2##, but you should also try to "see" that ##T_1 = T_2## by symmetry. When you come to more complex problems, using symmetry in a system can be a very powerful tool/shortcut.
 
  • #12
PierceJ said:
Ah, so its T1cosΘ-T2cosΘ = 0?Because the system is in equilibrium?

Correct, since the horizontal acceleration is zero (system is in equilibrium), the (vector) sum of forces resolved along the horizontal must be zero. You have T1cosθ towards left and T2cosθ towards right.

Now, if a body is in equilibrium, it's acceleration is zero implies the vector sum of the forces on it is zero(vector). Here, there are three forces in play. Thus the vector sum of T1, T2 and mg is zero. It just so happens that T1=T2 in this case. What if the angles were different, say θ1 and θ2 ? o_Oo_O
 
  • #13
There are two approaches to this problem. Neither is more correct than another, but see what you think:

1) You do some maths and find that, hey, ##T_1 = T_2##.

2) You see that ##T_1 = T_2## by symmetry and look for the maths that will prove/confirm this.
 
  • #14
If the angles were different, they would still add up to be mg right?

As far as the answer goes for this question, what do I do here exactly?
 
  • #15
Start with this equation:

T1cosΘ-T2cosΘ = 0

And show that ##T_1 = T_2##
 
  • #16
Okay so, you just move T2 over.
 
  • #17
PierceJ said:
Okay so, you just move T2 over.
What I would normally do now is:

Let ##T = T_1 = T_2##

Then, go back to your first equation and solve for T.
 
  • #18
Alright.

T1sinΘ+T2sinΘ = mg
T(sinΘ+sinΘ) = mg
T = mg/2sinΘ

T = 448.6N
 
  • #19
PierceJ said:
Alright.

T1sinΘ+T2sinΘ = mg
T(sinΘ+sinΘ) = mg
T = mg/2sinΘ

T = 448.6N

That's correct.
 
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  • #20
Thank you for the help
 

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