Tension of cables of unequal length

[mikejones222]

While doing some "what is the tension in cable" of hanging masses problems, I thought of the following scenario: a mass, uniform in density, is suspended by two cables of unequal length (See attachment)

Assuming that the mass is uniform in density, would T1 be the same as T2? Intuitively, it seems as though T1 may be less, but wasn't sure. If it's not, then how would one go about calculating the tension?

 

[NascentOxygen]

Hi mikejones222! http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

You draw the 3 forces: what you've shown together with weight acting down through the centre of mass. Sum of moments about any convenient point = 0.

 

[mikejones222]

riiiight...if tensions were unequal, then the mass would rotate around it's center of mass...thanks:)