Sol'n: Find Force P to Balance Weight of Blocks A and B

AI Thread Summary
To solve for the force P needed to balance the weights of blocks A and B, the weights are given as 25kN for block A and 15kN for block B. The equilibrium equations were established using free body diagrams (FBD) for both blocks. For block B, the tension T was calculated to be 2.5kN, while for block A, the force P was determined to be 11.55kN. The calculations align with the principles of static equilibrium, confirming the solution's correctness. The approach and results indicate a solid understanding of the problem.
Melawrghk
Messages
140
Reaction score
0
This is just a problem from my midterm, and I was wondering if I did it correctly

Homework Statement


205-MT.jpg

Weight of block B is 15kN, weight of block A is 25kN. Find force P that has to be applied to keep the system in equilibrium in tension in the cable


Homework Equations


\sumFx=0
\sumFy=0


The Attempt at a Solution


So first I figured I'd draw a FBD around block B (FBD1 on the image). I also decided I would use a different axis (x' and y'). From this I was able to write the equilibrium equations:
\sumFx=3T-15*cos(60)=0, from which T=2.5kN
(I also wrote the Fy equation, but I won't post it because it serves no real point)

Next, I drew a FBD around block A (FBD2 on the image). I used a different axis once again. And I got:
\sumFx=-25*cos(60)+P(cos30)+2.5kN=0, from which P=11.55kN

Is that correct? It makes sense in my head, but then again that wouldn't be the first time my gut feeling is wrong.Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
...but this time, your gut feeling is right.
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top