Vector Components (resultants)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in two strings supporting a 5 kg mass, with string lengths of 24 cm and 32 cm, positioned 40 cm apart. The gravitational force acting on the mass is calculated as 49.05 N. Participants emphasize the importance of drawing a Free Body Diagram (FBD) to visualize the forces and suggest using equilibrium equations to solve for the tensions (T1 and T2) without needing to convert the strings into vectors. The equilibrium condition states that the sum of forces in both the x and y directions must equal zero.

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  • Understanding of Free Body Diagrams (FBD)
  • Knowledge of equilibrium conditions in physics
  • Basic concepts of tension in strings
  • Familiarity with gravitational force calculations
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  • Study how to construct Free Body Diagrams for static systems
  • Learn about equilibrium equations in two dimensions
  • Explore tension calculations in multiple string systems
  • Review gravitational force calculations and their applications
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Students in physics, engineers dealing with static systems, and anyone interested in understanding tension and equilibrium in mechanical systems.

wiccabean21
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Homework Statement




A mass of 5 kg is suspended by two strings, 24 cm and 32 cm long, from two points that are 40 cm apart and at the same level. Determine the tension in each of the strings.


Would the 40 cm length be the resultant or do you rearrange the 24 and 32 as head to tail vectors.

The force of gravity is (5)(9.81) = 49.05 but I don't know how to make the other two into vectors (if i have too?)

please helppp! :) :)
 
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You don't need vector math for this, draw out the FBD of the intersect , you have two unknowns (T1, T2) and use the sum of forces at the x and at the y for this, you know they are in equilibrium as the ropes aren't breaking so their sums are always equal to zero.

I had more in here, but I'm not exactly sure what you are asking for or what you have already done, please elaborate.
 

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