Solve Tension in Moving Speedboat w/o Mass?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving tension in a string suspending a cork ball in a moving speedboat. The scenario includes the ball hanging at an angle while the boat accelerates, prompting questions about the necessity of knowing the mass of the ball to calculate the tension in the string.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss whether the mass of the ball is essential for calculating tension, with some suggesting that it is necessary while others question the phrasing of the original problem regarding mass and acceleration.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem's requirements. Some have provided guidance on the necessity of mass in the calculation, while others are seeking clarification on the question's intent.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions having solved the problem using mass but is uncertain about the implications of solving it without mass. There is a focus on the relationship between mass, acceleration, and tension in this context.

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Homework Statement


Is it possible to solve for the magnitude of tension without using the mass of the object? : You use a string to suspend a cork ball with a mass of 22g from the ceiling of a moving speedboat. The ball and the string hang at an angle of 32.5degrees from the vertical. The acceleration of the speedboat is 6.2m/s^2. Determine the magnitude of tension in the string. Do you need to know the mass of the ball to make this calculation? Why or why not?

Homework Equations


Fnet=ma, (Fnet)x=ma=(Ft)x

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved this using the mass, but could not solve without using the mass. To solve, I just did

Fnetx=ma
ma=Ftx
ma=Ftsin32.5

I just subbed in m and a after that and solved for Ft. I got the right answer, which is 0.26N.

I wrote that you need the mass in order to solve for FT in this case.

Is this right?
 
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Does the question ask "Do you need to know the mass of the ball," or does it ask "Do you need to know the acceleration of the ball"?
 
Chestermiller said:
Does the question ask "Do you need to know the mass of the ball," or does it ask "Do you need to know the acceleration of the ball"?

Do you need the mass?
 
Balsam said:
Do you need the mass?
Yes.
 

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