Suspending a Weight with 3 Cords: A Puzzle

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a weight suspended by three cords, with one cord going vertically upwards and the other two cords positioned at angles below and above the horizontal. The context is centered around understanding the forces acting on the weight and ensuring equilibrium.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to analyze the forces acting on the weight, expressing uncertainty about handling the cord positioned below horizontal. They propose equations based on vertical and horizontal force balances but are unsure about the next steps. Some participants question the clarity of the problem statement and suggest that a visual representation would aid understanding.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to sum forces for equilibrium, but no consensus has been reached on the specific approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a lack of clarity in the problem statement, and the original poster notes difficulty with the configuration of the cords, particularly the one below horizontal. A visual aid has been provided to assist in understanding the setup.

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Homework Statement


Weight suspended by 3 cords. 1 from the weight goes up vertically to the knot. The next goes left 30° below horizontal and the last goes to the right 45° above horizontal.

Homework Equations


f=ma


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't think I've ever worked a problem with a cord below horizontal. So I'm stumbling a bit.

Since there's only 1 cord above horizontal (T1) it should carry the whole y force. So, in y T1=T2+T3
And, in x the left and right cords must be equal T1=T2


T1sin(45)=T2sin(30)+mg

Not sure about the rest. Any help?
 
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The problem statement is somewhat confusing. A figure would really help.
 
Quick picture I just made.
 

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As the object not going up or down
it's too not going left or right, equal forces must be there to make it in equilibrium.
 
You simply need to sum forces, both horizontal and vertical, at the junction point, and require that both sum to zero. That will give you everything you need.
 

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