What Is the Tension in the Support Cable?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in a support cable for a wrecking ball system, where the wrecking ball weighs 4500 N and the boom weighs 3610 N. The angles involved are 32° for the support cable and 48° for the boom. To find the tension (T) in the support cable, one must sum the torques about the hinge point P. Additionally, the force exerted on the lower end of the boom by the hinge needs to be determined, requiring a clear understanding of the forces acting on the system.

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  • Understanding of torque and equilibrium in physics
  • Knowledge of vector resolution of forces
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions related to angles
  • Basic principles of static mechanics
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineers, and anyone involved in mechanics, particularly those working with static systems and tension calculations in support structures.

Kelschul
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Tension in support cable. Help!

A wrecking ball (weight = 4500 N) is supported by a boom, which may be assumed to be uniform and has a weight of 3610 N. As the drawing shows, a support cable runs from the top of the boom to the tractor. The angle between the support cable and the horizontal is 32°, and the angle between the boom and the horizontal is 48°. Find (a) the tension in the support cable and (b) the magnitude of the force exerted on the lower end of the boom by the hinge at point P.



I know I have to sum the torque about the hinge to solve for T, but I can't seem to get it right.

I also do not know how to do part b.
 
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Could you perhaps show the diagram?
 

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