What is the weight of block D in this equilibrium of particles problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a mechanics problem involving the equilibrium of particles, specifically focusing on the weight of block D. Participants are analyzing the forces acting on the system, particularly those related to the springs involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the assumptions regarding the change in length of spring AB and its unstretched length. There are discussions about the ratios of forces (FACx and FACy) and their relationship through trigonometric functions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with participants providing tips and questioning the original poster's assumptions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of trigonometric ratios without needing to calculate angles explicitly. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the forces involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted discrepancy regarding the unstretched length of spring AB, which is critical to the problem's setup. Participants are also addressing potential inaccuracies in calculations made by the original poster.

hdp12
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Homework Statement


Here is the problem that I am stuck on in my mechanics class.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ygXVjNfI4iP8xVpEjhxXZlWlDqg_VrM2gCVFLyomOVwWCfcLU78mIcPEc7hEzUqBoACIiQ=w1210-h506

Homework Equations


F=-kx

The Attempt at a Solution


See the attached picture of my work
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dpyJ3aIImPY7kOm33QSuD_bZrqTqVL2DnPjhDp2G0t1wWDM9G5RGHORSXESWWNFp4H7xCfrQrLgu0Y9dzntbhG7AKzM=w1210-h506
I'm so stuck. I don't know what to do from here.
 
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Why do you think the change in length of spring AB is 3 meters?

P.S.
Just a tip, there's no reason to find the angles spring AB makes; you only care about the sine or cosine of the angles which corresponds to ratios of the sides of the triangle. Finding (and rounding) the angle, like you did, may lead to less accuracy in the final answer.
 
Now, about your main problem:

What can you say about the ratio between "Facx" and "Facy"?
 
Nathanael said:
Why do you think the change in length of spring AB is 3 meters?
Because the unstretched length has been taken as 2m instead of 3m.
 
Nathanael said:
What can you say about the ratio between "Facx" and "Facy"
tan(45)=FACy/FACx or, they're directly proportional bc tan(45) = 1
FACy = FACx
What do I do with this?
 
hdp12 said:
tan(45)=FACy/FACx or, they're directly proportional bc tan(45) = 1
FACy = FACx
What do I do with this?
You calculated FACx so now you know FACy. You also calculated FABy. So what is the weight of block D?

But actually you calculated incorrectly, you'll need to recalculate (but I think you had the right idea). The problem says the unstretched length is 3 meters, not 2 meters.
 

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