Three strings and a weight, need tensions in strings

[thedarkone80]

Homework Statement

You have three strings holding a 20kg weight, all tied to a ceiling above the weight, one centered right above the weight, the other two tied to the string at equal angles. What is the tension in each of the cables

Homework Equations

Fnet=0

The Attempt at a Solution

Tension 1 (x)= T1 cos theta
Tension 1 (y)= -T1sin theta -n
Tension 2 (x)= 0
Tension 2 (y)=mg+T2-n
Tension 3 (x)= -T3cos theta
Tension 3 (y)= -T3sin theta -n
I really don't know if this is right, and what in the world the angle would be, i need help. Thanks

 

[Redbelly98]

The Attempt at a Solution

Tension 1 (x)= T1 cos theta
Tension 1 (y)= -T1sin theta -n
Tension 2 (x)= 0
Tension 2 (y)=mg+T2-n
Tension 3 (x)= -T3cos theta
Tension 3 (y)= -T3sin theta -n
I really don't know if this is right, and what in the world the angle would be, i need help. Thanks

For a problem like this, you need to:

1. Draw a free body diagram , showing each force that acts on the weight.
2. Set up separate Fnet=0 equations for the horizontal and vertical directions.

Have you drawn the free body diagram ? If it's not easy to post the drawing, can you at least list all the forces acting on the weight?