Increase Tension in String: Rigid Rod, Weight, and Length

In summary: T.In summary, a light rigid rod hinged to a wall with an inextensible string connected to a weight suspended from the rod will have a tension in the string that is affected by the distance of the weight from the hinged point and the length of the string. Shifting the weight towards Q will increase the tension, while replacing the string with a shorter one and connecting it to the mid-points of PQ and PR will also increase the tension. On the other hand, replacing the string with a longer one and connecting it to a point higher than R will decrease the tension. The formula for calculating tension in this scenario is T = W*x*sqrt(L^2 + y^2)/L*y,
  • #1
karis
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Homework Statement



attachment.php?attachmentid=24309&stc=1&d=1268372863.jpg

A light rigid rod PQ is hinged smoothly to the wall at one end while the other end is connected by an inextensible string to a point R directly above P. A weight W is suspended from a point on the rod. If the rod remains horizontal, which of the following change(s) would increase the tension in the string?

(1) Shifting the weight towards Q
(2) Replacing the string with a shorter one and connecting it to the mid-points of PQ and PR
(3) Replacing the string with a longer one and connecting it to a point higher than R


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



I guess the first one is correct, as the force will be greater when W is farer away from the hinged point, but i have no idea how the length of the string is related to the tension.
Is it related to the L/g ^1/2?

Please help:(
many thanks
 

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  • #2
If T is the tension in the string, when the rod is horizontal, the moments on the rod due to T and W are equal and opposite.
So
(Tsinθ)*L = W*x.
T = W*x/L*sinθ . sinθ
In this expression W and L remain constant.
Your guess for the first one is correct.
sinθ = y/sqrt(L^2 + y^2). Hence
T = W*x*sqrt(L^2 + y^2)/L*y.
Now try for (2) and (3)
 

1. How does the rigid rod affect tension in a string?

The rigid rod does not directly affect tension in a string. However, it can indirectly affect tension by changing the distribution of weight along the string, which can impact tension.

2. How does weight affect tension in a string?

The weight of an object attached to a string can cause tension in the string. As the weight increases, the tension in the string also increases. This is due to the force of gravity acting on the weight, which pulls down on the string and creates tension.

3. How does length affect tension in a string?

The length of a string can directly affect the tension in the string. As the length increases, the tension decreases and vice versa. This is because a longer string has more surface area, which can distribute the weight of an object more evenly and reduce tension.

4. What is the formula for calculating tension in a string?

The formula for calculating tension in a string is T = mg, where T is the tension in the string, m is the mass of the object attached to the string, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2).

5. How can tension in a string be increased?

Tension in a string can be increased by adding weight to the string, shortening the length of the string, or using a more rigid rod to distribute the weight more evenly. Additionally, increasing the force of gravity by moving closer to a massive object can also increase tension in a string.

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