MHB Mechanics- connected particles

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in a system involving a horizontal bar of mass 1 kg supported by two vertical rods and a third vertical rod with a 4 kg mass hanging from its midpoint. The tension in the third rod (T3) is established as 40 N, leading to the conclusion that the combined tension in the two outer rods (T1 and T2) must equal 50 N. Given that T3 is positioned at the midpoint, the tensions in the outer rods are equal, resulting in T1 and T2 each being 25 N. The concepts of translational and rotational equilibrium are crucial for understanding the distribution of forces in this scenario.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with free body diagrams (FBD)
  • Knowledge of translational equilibrium
  • Knowledge of rotational equilibrium
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of static equilibrium in mechanics
  • Learn how to construct and analyze free body diagrams (FBDs)
  • Explore the concepts of tension in various mechanical systems
  • Investigate the effects of mass distribution on tension and equilibrium
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of tension in static systems.

Shah 72
MHB
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A horizontal bar of mass 1kg hangs from a pair of parallel vertical rods of negligible mass, attached to either end of the bar. A third vertical rod is connected to the middle of the bar and a 4kg mass hangs from this below the rod. Work out the tension in each of the rods.
I got the tension in the third vertical rod= 40N. I don't know how to find the tension of the other two rods.
 
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did you sketch a FBD?

forces acting on the 1 kg bar …

$T_1+T_2$ up, $1g + T_3$ down
 
skeeter said:
did you sketch a FBD?

forces acting on the 1 kg bar …

$T_1+T_2$ up, $1g + T_3$ down
T1+T2=50N, T3=40N
 
Shah 72 said:
T1+T2=50N, T3=40N

so …

$T_1 =$ ?

$T_2 =$ ?

… and why?
 
skeeter said:
so …

$T_1 =$ ?

$T_2 =$ ?

… and why?
T1=T2 = 25 as T3 is at the midpoint of the horizontal bar
 
yes, but that’s not the “physics” reason … what do you know about translational and rotational equilibrium?

recommend you look them up if you haven’t heard those terms before
 
skeeter said:
yes, but that’s not the “physics” reason … what do you know about translational and rotational equilibrium?

recommend you look them up if you haven’t heard those terms before
Sure. Thanks!
 

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