Solving Tension in Rope for Homogeneous Rod

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a homogeneous rod connected to a pole and supported by a rope. Participants are tasked with determining the tension in the rope while considering the forces and torques acting on the system.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants share different attempts to solve the problem, noting discrepancies in their answers. Suggestions are made to label points in the diagram for clarity. Questions arise regarding the forces acting at specific points on the rod and the components of these forces.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on labeling the diagram and identifying forces, while others express confusion about the distribution of forces along the rod. There is acknowledgment of differing interpretations of the attempts shared, with some methods being deemed correct by certain participants.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the fixed position of the rod and the implications of the forces acting on it, including the total downward force due to the rod's weight. There is a focus on understanding the balance of torques and forces without reaching a definitive conclusion.

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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Thank you both very much! We got it now :-)
 

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