Two strings supporting a block at an angle

[TomPag]

Homework Statement

Mechanics homework

Relevant Equations

123

I have been given the following homework:

For the first question a), I am not sure if i should create 2 right triangles for the strings as drawn in the picture, where the sum of the sides opposing the block are not equal to 2, or if i should say the strings go into the block and touch each other, so that the right triangles created have sides opposing the block equal to 2. If i choose the first option, which makes the most sense, the length 2 m becomes useless, and im not sure how i would solve it. Does anyone have any ideas?
Thank you in advance.

 

[Lnewqban]

Welcome!
I believe that you can consider a triangle of sides 1.25-2-1.25, assuming that the two strings coincide with the center of mass of the block, and that the opposite ends coincide with the axis of rotation (since there is no given information that contradicts those assumptions).

Diagrams are usually drawn by other than the problem creator, reason for which can be confusing.

 

[Steve4Physics]

For the first question a), I am not sure if i should create 2 right triangles for the strings as drawn in the picture, where the sum of the sides opposing the block are not equal to 2, or if i should say the strings go into the block and touch each other, so that the right triangles created have sides opposing the block equal to 2. If i choose the first option, which makes the most sense, the length 2 m becomes useless, and im not sure how i would solve it. Does anyone have any ideas?

You could:

a) State that you believe the question posed can’t be answered and briefly explain why.

b) Propose a revision to make answers possible. E.g. replace the 4 kg ‘rectangular’ mass with a 4 kg point mass*.

c) Provide answers based on b).

It may be worth noting that a right-angled triangle with hypotenuse 1.25 m and another side 1.00 m is, in fact, a ‘3-4-5’ triangle.

*Edit: I originally typed '5 kg' but I meant '4 kg'.