Solving for Force Q to Achieve Equilibrium for 2 Rods Connected by a Wire

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the tension in a wire connecting two collars, A and B, and the force Q required for equilibrium when a force P of 341 N is applied to collar A. Given the dimensions of the system, with y at 155 mm and x at 200 mm, the z component of the wire is calculated to be 460 mm. The equilibrium equations derived include ΣFx, ΣFy, and ΣFz, leading to the conclusion that the system must satisfy Newton's 3rd Law of Motion to maintain equilibrium.

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1. Collars A & B are connected by a 525-mm long wire and can slide freely on frictionless rods. If force P= (341 N)j is applied to collar A determine the tension of the wire when y=155mm and the magnitude of force Q(which is along the z axis) to maintain equilibrium

2. Homework Equations
[tex]\Sigma[/tex]F=0

[tex]\overline{v}[/tex]=[tex]\sqrt{vx^2+vy^2+vz^2}[/tex]

3. The Attempt at a Solution

I was given y was 155mm and x=200mm and found the z value of the wire to be 460mm. I then created a unit vector for the wire and came up with these equilibrium formulas:

[tex]\Sigma[/tex]Fx=[tex]200/525[/tex]Tab=0 (Something is wrong here)

[tex]\Sigma[/tex]Fy=[tex]-155/525[/tex]Tab=-341N

[tex]\Sigma[/tex]Fz=Q+[tex]460/525[/tex]Tab=0

Now I'm stuck...can anyone lead me in the right direction?
 
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Think about Newton's 3rd Law of Motion - action and reaction. So you know that a force P acting on point A will make it move up and also create tension on T(ab). However, you know also that T(ab) must have three components of xyz. The problem is that point A can only move at y axis, but to satisfy equilibrium, there must be a hidden force opposite of T(ab) in which it will make the sum of the forces on x and z zero.
 

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