Tension on two cables holding a weight

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in two cables supporting an 18.0 kg spotlight. The user initially references an equation that includes static friction, which is not applicable in this scenario. It is suggested to create a free body diagram to visualize the forces acting on the spotlight, including the tension components. The key approach involves setting the sum of the forces to zero for both vertical and horizontal directions. This method simplifies the problem and clarifies the calculation of tension without the need for static friction.
bran8015
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Homework Statement



A 18.0 kg spotlight is suspended 2.40m below a horizontal pole by two 3.90m long cables that angle upward at equal angles and reach from the top of the light to either end of the horizontal pole.


Homework Equations



The only equation I have for tension is T=\mu*m*g/(cos\vartheta+\musin\vartheta)

The Attempt at a Solution


My problem is \mu stands for the static friction, which there is none. Do I still need to use this equation or is there a different one I don't know about. Thanks!
 
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Welcome to PF!
Tension is just the force that a string or cable pulls with. You need a "free body diagram" showing the 3 forces acting on the load, with angles. Then you write
"sum of the forces = 0" for the vertical direction (and perhaps for the horizontal direction separately). The tension forces must be separated into their horizontal and vertical components to fit into these equations.
 
Thanks, I was making it way to difficult.
 

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