Vector Components: Equal Force of Two Wires Suspending 500N Sign

AI Thread Summary
To determine the force exerted by each wire suspending a 500N sign at a 100-degree angle, a free body diagram should be drawn to analyze the forces acting on the sign. Since the sign is in equilibrium, the vector sum of the forces must equal zero, meaning the vertical components of the forces from the two wires must add up to 500N. Using trigonometry, the vertical component of each wire's force can be expressed in terms of the angle, allowing for the calculation of the force in each wire. By exploiting symmetry and recognizing that both wires exert equal force, the solution reveals that each wire exerts approximately 389N. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving similar problems in physics.
Coco12
Messages
272
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


two wires are used to suspend a sign that weighs 500N. the two wires make an angle of 100 degrees between each other. If each wire is exerting an equal amount of force, how much force does each wire exert?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The answer is 389.. but I don't understand how to get that.. Can someone please explain. Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Draw a free body diagram for the sign. What are ALL the forces that act on it? Since the sign is not moving, what must be true about the vector sum of these forces? Now pay attention to the vertical components of those forces...how would you use trigonometry to figure out what these are?
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
Also note, that both wires are exerting equal force. Exploit symmetry.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »

Similar threads

How Do You Calculate the Electric Charge on a Suspended Cork Ball?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Calculate electric force using Coulomb's law (vector components are the struggle)
Replies
3
Views
1K
Forces of a straight wire on a semi-circular wire loop (Magnetism)
Replies
17
Views
3K
Tension in the wire connecting two blocks
Replies
5
Views
2K
Identifying Magnetic Interactions
Replies
9
Views
4K
Finding z component of a unit vector
Replies
2
Views
3K
The components of force and velocity vectors in circular motion
Replies
11
Views
3K
Calculate tension and strain of wire
Replies
1
Views
5K
Understanding Magnetic Interactions in Current Carrying Wires
Replies
1
Views
2K
Can two variables in two different equations cancel each other?
Replies
5
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top