Where does the force of tension act on a box?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of tension forces acting on a box, specifically focusing on the angles involved in relation to the center of mass. Participants are exploring how to properly account for the direction of the tension force in different contexts, such as linear force balance and torque analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relevance of the angle of tension in relation to the center of mass and question whether to consider the angle as phi or theta. There is an exploration of how the point of attachment affects the analysis of forces and torques.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants providing insights on how to approach the problem from both linear and torque perspectives. There is a recognition of the importance of the angle applied, although no consensus has been reached on the implications of this for the problem at hand.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the nuances of force analysis in the context of homework constraints, particularly regarding the definitions and applications of angles in tension force scenarios.

aspodkfpo
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Homework Statement
Where does the force of tension act on a box?
Relevant Equations
theta, phi
1597901168652.png

Given a force of tension with a string attached to the front of the box, do we take the force as acting with an angle to the centre of the mass of phi or theta? Explain please?
 
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aspodkfpo said:
Homework Statement:: Where does the force of tension act on a box?
Relevant Equations:: theta, phi

View attachment 268020
Given a force of tension with a string attached to the front of the box, do we take the force as acting with an angle to the centre of the mass of phi or theta? Explain please?
It acts at the point where it is attached, at the angle of the string.
If you are just looking at the balance of linear forces, (ΣF=ma) then the point of attachment is irrelevant, so you can take it as the centre of the block, but you must keep the angle actually applied.
When looking at torques, the line of action is important, so use the actual point of attachment, or any point in the same straight line as the string.
 
haruspex said:
It acts at the point where it is attached, at the angle of the string.
If you are just looking at the balance of linear forces, (ΣF=ma) then the point of attachment is irrelevant, so you can take it as the centre of the block, but you must keep the angle actually applied.
When looking at torques, the line of action is important, so use the actual point of attachment, or any point in the same straight line as the string.
"angle actually applied" is theta right?
 
aspodkfpo said:
"angle actually applied" is theta right?
Yes.
 

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