What Weight Should Be Hung at Point P for Horizontal String?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ritwik06
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    String
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conditions required for a string with its ends attached to a wall to achieve a completely horizontal lower segment when a weight is hung at point P. The participants analyze the forces acting on point P, including tension and weight, concluding that point P cannot be in static equilibrium unless specific conditions are met. The tension in the string is not uniform if a tangential force is applied, and significant elongation of the string under load may allow for a horizontal configuration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static equilibrium principles
  • Knowledge of tension in strings and forces
  • Familiarity with Free Body Diagrams (FBD)
  • Concept of elongation in materials under load
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of static equilibrium in physics
  • Learn about tension distribution in strings under various loads
  • Explore Free Body Diagram techniques for complex systems
  • Investigate material properties related to elongation and stress
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators seeking to enhance their understanding of static equilibrium and tension in strings.

ritwik06
Messages
577
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/781/86393071cs1.jpg
The figure shows a string with its ends attached to a wall. What weight should be hung at point p so that the lower part of this string becomes completely horizontal?

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't think the string can be horizontal.
I drew the FBD for point p.
since tension is same throughout.
the horizontal part of the string applies t [tex]\hat{i}[/tex]
the weight applies -w [tex]\hat{j}[/tex]
the upper part of the string applies -t sin x [tex]\hat{i}[/tex] +t cos x [tex]\hat{j}[/tex]

where x is the angle made by the upper part of the string with the vertical.
Point p cannot be in equilibrium whatever the magnitude of w be.
Am I right?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
ritwik06: No, point P is in static equilibrium, unless it is accelerating. Were properties for the string given? Tension is not the same throughout the string if a tangential force component is applied in the middle of the string, by an object that is not allowed to slip or roll, right? If the string elongates greatly under the applied load, couldn't the lower segment of the string become horizontal? Try it again.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K