How Does the Angle Affect Cable Tension in a Tow Truck Scenario?

AI Thread Summary
In a tow truck scenario with a 1500 kg car and a cable at a 23° angle, the cable tension can be calculated by considering the car's acceleration of 0.59 m/s². The angle is crucial for decomposing the forces into horizontal (Fx) and vertical (Fy) components. The formula for cable tension incorporates the angle, using F = (M * a) / cos(theta) to account for the angle's effect on the tension. This approach allows for accurate calculations of the forces acting on the system. Understanding these components is essential for determining the correct cable tension in towing situations.
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A tow truck is connected to a 1500 kg car by a cable that makes a 23o angle to the horizontal. If the truck accelerates at 0.59 m/s2, what is the magnitude of the cable tension? Neglect friction and the mass of the cable.


i know that the car is accelerating at the same rate. my question is how do you include the angle into the equation for the cable tension?
 
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I think the purpose of the angle is so that you can de-compose the problems into components, Fx and Fy. Try to resolve both forces on the x-direction and y-direction first
 
I got it

F= (M * a)/cos (theta)
 

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