What Is the Tension in a Cable at an Angle?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in a cable connecting a 1400 kg car to a tow truck, with the cable making a 25-degree angle to the horizontal. The truck accelerates at 0.55 m/s², and the solution involves applying Newton's second law to determine the forces acting on the car. The key takeaway is that the car experiences the same acceleration as the truck, which is essential for solving the tension in the cable.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law of motion
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometry, particularly sine and cosine functions
  • Familiarity with free body diagrams
  • Concept of tension in cables and forces at angles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Newton's second law in two dimensions
  • Learn how to resolve forces into components using trigonometric functions
  • Explore examples of tension calculations in various mechanical systems
  • Investigate the effects of friction on tension and acceleration in similar scenarios
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of forces in systems involving tension and acceleration.

da5id2
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I'm having trouble finding what formula to use for this:

A tow truck is connected to a 1400 kg car by a cable that makes a 25 degree angle to the horizontal.

If the truck accelerates at 0.55 m/s^2, what is the magnitude of the cable tension? Neglect friction and the mass of the cable.
 
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Welcome to PF!

da5id2 said:
A tow truck is connected to a 1400 kg car by a cable that makes a 25 degree angle to the horizontal.

If the truck accelerates at 0.55 m/s^2, what is the magnitude of the cable tension? Neglect friction and the mass of the cable.

Hi da5id2! Welcome to PF! :smile:

The car obviously has the same acceleration as the truck, 0.55 m/s^2.

So use good ol' Newton's second law for the external forces on the car in the horizontal direction. :wink:
 

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