Understanding Tension in Slanted Cables for Equilibrium of a 59 N Weight

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in two cables supporting a 59 N weight, with one cable positioned horizontally and the other slanted at an angle of 51°. The slanted cable bears the vertical load of the weight, while the horizontal cable counteracts the horizontal component of the tension in the slanted cable. The equilibrium condition necessitates that the horizontal cable's tension equals the horizontal component of the slanted cable's tension, ensuring the system remains balanced.

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Homework Statement


59 N weight held by two cables. The left-hand cable is horizontal.

What is the tension in the cable slanted
at an angle of 51◦? Answer in units of N.

What is the tension in the horizontal cable?
Answer in units of N
 
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Angle 51 wrt to which axis? The horizontal or vertical?

Remember that the horizontal cable cannot transmit any force in the vertical direction; hence, only the slanted cable upholds the weight.

Furthermore, since that cable is slanted, it follows it transmits to the weight a force also in the horizontal direction; thus, in order for the weight to remain in equilibrium, the strictly horizontal cable must counteract that force by its own trension.
 

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