Solve Chandelier Tension Problem: Get Help from Nate

[nateshoe]

Homework Statement

A chandelier with mass m is attached to the ceiling of a large concert hall by two cables. Because the ceiling is covered with intricate architectural decorations (not indicated in the figure, which uses a humbler depiction), the workers who hung the chandelier couldn't attach the cables to the ceiling directly above the chandelier. Instead, they attached the cables to the ceiling near the walls. Cable 1 has tension T_1 and makes an angle of theta_1 with the ceiling. Cable 2 has tension T_2 and makes an angle of theta_2 with the ceiling.



3. The Attempt at a Solution [/b]
I can get this far:
We know the sum of the forces in the x and y direction equals zero so;
for the x:
T1cos(theta1)=T2cos(theta2)

for the y;
T1sin(theta1)=T2sin(theta2)-mg

I need to fiind the magnitude of T1 without using T2

I'm stuck and could use a hand.

Thanks,
Nate

 

[berkeman]

It's better to write your equations as "the sum of forces = 0", to avoid mistakes like the one in your second equation. When you draw the free body diagram of a stationary object, the forces all must sum to zero.

for x: T_1 cos(\Theta_1) - T_2 cos(\Theta_2) = 0 (which is in the - x direction? T1 or T2?)

for y: T_1 sin(\Theta_1) + T_2 sin(\Theta_2) - mg = 0

You now have two equations in two unknowns, so you can solve for the two tensions. Please show your work as you solve them.

 

[nateshoe]

thanks I got it solved I was just striggling with the algebra