Seagull Mass from Tension on Telephone Wire

AI Thread Summary
A seagull lands on a telephone wire that sags 43 cm between two poles 15 m apart, with a tension of 50 N in the wire. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the forces acting on the seagull, including tension and gravitational force. Participants suggest using a free body diagram to visualize these forces and applying Newton's first law to establish equilibrium. The angle of tension can be determined through trigonometry, which is crucial for calculating the seagull's weight. Ultimately, the goal is to derive the mass of the seagull from the established forces.
ova5676
Messages
29
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A seagull lands on a telephone wire midway between two poles 15 m apart. The wire (assume weightless) sags by 43 cm. If the tension in the wire is 50 N what is the mass of the seagull?

Homework Equations


Ftotal = mass x acceleration
Ftotal = F1 + F2, etc.
Fg = mass x gravity

The Attempt at a Solution



I do not even know where to start. The seagull is on a wire but I'm not sure where the force of tension lies. Is it directed to both the left and the right of the seagull? I know that Fg and the normal force cancel out I think. And what role do the distances here play? Can anyone lend me a hand?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Anyone there?
 
The wire and bird are in equilibrium, so Newton 1 applies. Draw a sketch. Yes, the tension acts in the rope and pulls on it both left and right and above the horizontal at an angle you can find from trig and at the given tension on both sides. The gull's weight acts down. Draw a free body digram of the bird, use Newton 1, and solve for the weight and then solve for the mass.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »

Similar threads

Calculating Tension in a Telephone Wire with Mass and Angle
Replies
5
Views
3K
What forces act on a bird sitting on a sagging wire?
Replies
7
Views
4K
Solve The Laws of Motion: Tension in a Bird on a Wire
Replies
2
Views
2K
Calculating Tension in a Wire with a Perched Bird: A Physics Problem
Replies
9
Views
8K
How Do You Calculate the Tension in a Wire Supporting a Sign?
Replies
8
Views
3K
Calculating tension in a wire holding beam against wall
Replies
2
Views
7K
Equilibrium Process for Calculating Tension in a Tight-Rope Walker's Wire
Replies
10
Views
2K
What is the Tension in the Wire for a Mass Pulled on a Rotating Disc?
Replies
22
Views
3K
Circular wire with ball and spring problem
Replies
6
Views
2K
Tension of wire attached to 45-kg ball.
Replies
2
Views
8K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top