Torque and Tension of two weights

  • Thread starter Thread starter Enoch
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Tension Torque
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the tension in a cable supporting a uniform beam with two weights, using the torque equilibrium principle. The user is confused about whether to include both components of tension (Ty and Tx) in the torque equation, ultimately realizing that only the vertical component (Ty) contributes to the counterclockwise torque. They initially set up the equation incorrectly, leading to an incorrect answer. Clarification indicates that the horizontal component (Tx) does not contribute to the torque about the pivot point, simplifying the equation back to the original form. The user seeks further assistance to resolve their misunderstanding and confirm the correct approach.
Enoch
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
Guys - I'm back again :smile: . I hate to have so many questions, but I really appreaciate all the help you guys give me. For this problem, I am having some problems with the clockwise/counterclockwise Torque rule. Anyways, let me give you the problem and work.

Two weights attached to a uniform beam of mass 26 kg are supported in a horizontal position by a pin and cable as shown in the figure (I have placed the figure in the attachment doc. 1). The acceleration of gravity is 9.8m/s^2. What is the tension in the cable which supports the beam? Answer in units of kN.

To solve this problem, I knew I had to apply the rule that clockwise torques are equal to counterclockwise torques.

Clockwise torques: Weight of the bar, Weight 1, and Weight 2.

Counterclockwise torques: Tension

Here is where my work gets shady :confused: . For the tensions, I broke the tension line up into components Ty and Tx. Ty = Tsin (theta). Tx = Tcos (theta). Do I take both of these for the counterclockwise torques in the equation? When I set the problem up, I only used the Ty value. Is this incorrect?

Anyways here is the final problem set up as I had it with only one of the Tension components:

[Weight of the bar X (length/2)] + [Weight1 X distance from weight] + [Weight2 X length] = Tsin (theta) X length

In numerical values: 26(5.6/2) + 32(3.1) + 37(5.6) = Tsin (39) X 5.6

Obviously this answer is wrong, but my question is...is the correct equation this:


[Weight of the bar X (length/2)] + [Weight1 X distance from weight] + [Weight2 X length] = [Tsin (theta) X length] + [Tcos (theta) X length]

In numerical values: 26(5.6/2) + 32(3.1) + 37(5.6) = [Tsin (39) X 5.6] + [Tcos (39) X 5.6]


OR is it something else entirely? Thanks for all the help guys!
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
the last equation should be, for the x-component of T, the distance is 0, not 5.6. Only y-component of T has the distance 5.6 . So u just cancel out x-component because it's direction goes through the point O.
 
bem said:
the last equation should be, for the x-component of T, the distance is 0, not 5.6. Only y-component of T has the distance 5.6 . So u just cancel out x-component because it's direction goes through the point O.

Would that not leave me with the exact same initial equation that I started off with? I used that equation and came up with the wrong answer. Either I made a careless mistake (likely), I'm not understanding you, or there is something else wrong with the problem.
 
bump...Still need help
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top