Solve Tension in Moving Speedboat w/o Mass?

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AI Thread Summary
To determine the magnitude of tension in the string suspending a cork ball in a moving speedboat, the mass of the ball is necessary for calculations. The problem involves a cork ball with a known mass of 22g, hanging at an angle of 32.5 degrees while the boat accelerates at 6.2 m/s². The tension can be calculated using the equation Fnet = ma, specifically Fnetx = Ftx, where Ftx is influenced by the mass. The consensus in the discussion is that mass is essential for solving the problem accurately. Therefore, knowing the mass is crucial for calculating the tension in this scenario.
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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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