Solving Tension in Rope for Homogeneous Rod

AI Thread Summary
A homogeneous rod of 5.0 m and 40 kg is held at an angle by a rope, and the tension in the rope needs to be determined. Participants in the discussion are confused, presenting different answers and struggling with the forces acting on the rod. Key forces include the downward force at the center of gravity and the tension in the rope, which prevents the rod from rotating. Clarifications about labeling points in the diagram and understanding torque balance were provided, leading to a consensus on the correct method. The group ultimately reached an understanding of the problem and the solution.
Norway
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Homework Statement


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I'm sorry, I'm not the best in English, but I'll try to translate it.
A homogenous rod with length 5.0 m and mass 40 kg, is connected to a pole at 70* at point A.
The rod is held in place with a rope that makes 50* with the pole, and is connected to the rod 1.0 m from the end of the rod.
Determine the tension in the rope.

Homework Equations


ΣF=0, ΣM=0

The Attempt at a Solution


We are four people with four different answers... No one knows what anyone does wrong.. Here are two of the attempts:

https://scontent-frt3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t34.0-12/13318902_10153565646742256_817010534_n.jpg?oh=2310dc35b8b9d18a5df00a2adf8fb79a&oe=5750883C

https://scontent-frt3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t34.0-12/13336307_10153546169760759_1312148898_n.jpg?oh=a90f8bf982bd9246081fd2d8bb251203&oe=57506221
 
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I would like to make some suggestions, but without labels on the diagram, it becomes awkward to do this.
In the diagram, label he point where the rope attaches to the rod as B.
Label the center of gravity of the rod as C.
What is the downward force FC at point C?
What is the downward force FB at point B?
What is the component of FB in the direction that stretches the rope?

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Buzz
 
Buzz Bloom said:
I would like to make some suggestions, but without labels on the diagram, it becomes awkward to do this.
In the diagram, label he point where the rope attaches to the rod as B.
Label the center of gravity of the rod as C.
What is the downward force FC at point C?
What is the downward force FB at point B?
What is the component of FB in the direction that stretches the rope?

Thanks for replying!
We have denoted FC as 40 * 9.81 N = 392 N, just simplifying the distributed mass as an average in the middle.
But this would be the total downward force for the entire rod, so that would mean no other downward force for the rest of the rod, including in FB. I get a little confused of this.
 
Norway said:
Thanks for replying!
We have denoted FC as 40 * 9.81 N = 392 N, just simplifying the distributed mass as an average in the middle.
But this would be the total downward force for the entire rod, so that would mean no other downward force for the rest of the rod, including in FB. I get a little confused of this.
That's all valid.
Of the two images you attached, I cannot follow the logic in the first one.
The second method is correct and obtains the right answer.
 
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Hi Norway:

I apologize for being careless with my use of language.
The rod is not moving. The left end of the rod is held fixed by its touching the vertical post. If the rope was not attached the rod would fall, rotating clockwise.
The tension in the rope at B exerts an angular upward force in the direction along the rope. This force balances the force FC so that the rod does not rotate.

The clockwise torque on the rod at C balances the counter-clockwise torque at B.

I hope this helps better.

Regards,
Buzz
 
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Likes Norway
Thank you both very much! We got it now :-)
 
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