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  • Mar 4, 2009, 08:03 PM
    holdthepickle27
    Two tensions
    A 5000 N weight is held suspended in equilibrium by two cables. Cable 1 applies a horizontal force to the right of the object and has a tension, T1. Cable2 applies a force upward and to the left at an angle of 37degrees to the negative x-axis and has a tension, T2. What is the tension, T1?
  • Mar 5, 2009, 07:15 AM
    ebaines

    Draw a free body diagram, and then resolve all forces (the weight of the object and the tensoins that are in the 2 cables) into their vertical and horizontal components. Then set the sum of all forces acting in the vertical direction to 0, and the sum of all forces acting in the hoizontal direction to zero - you know these forces must sum to zero or else the object would not be in equilibrium.

    I'll get you started: The forces acting in the vertical direction are:

    a) Weight of object = -5000N. By convention it's best to show downward forces as negative.
    b) Tension of rope 1 in vertical direction = T1 sin (0) = 0.
    c) Tension of rope 2 in vertical direction = T2 sin(37). This is a positive number as the rope is pulling in the upward direction.

    Add them up and set to 0:

    0 = -5000+0 + T2sin(37).

    So now you can solve for T2.

    Repeat this process for the horizontal direction: sum the horizontal forces and set to 0, and you'll be able to determine the value of T2.

    Post back and let us know what you get for an answer.

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