Calculating Force and Weight in a Simple Statics Problem

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In summary, the conversation discusses a real life application involving a man hanging from a rope off a cliff and using a pole to push himself away from the rock. The angle of the rope is given and the question is posed of how to determine the force or weight on the pole. The solution is explained using basic statics principles without the need for advanced calculus or physics knowledge.
  • #1
nikneven
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So, I have recently run across a real life application of things I haven't used in 10 years.

A 170lb man is hanging from a 100 foot rope off the edge of a vertical cliff. He is pushing himself out from the rock with a 10 foot pole. The angle of the rope from the cliff is 5.74 degrees. How much force / or weight is on the pole?

How would i figure this out? If some one could tell me, using very small words, and pretending I didn't take advanced calculus and physics...

I really would like to understand this again.

Thank You.:blushing:
 
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  • #2
The magnitude of the force exerted by the rope we denote by F. The upward component of this force is F * sin(84.26), which is equal to 170lb since it must balance the man's weight. So F = 170/sin(84.26). But the horizontal component, which the pole must balance, is F*cos(84.26), or 170*cot(84.26), which is about equal to seventeen pounds.
 
  • #3
Its a simple statics problem. Just sum the forces in the X and Y dimensions and solve for the unknowns, simple algebra no calc needed. Look up method of joints or methods of segments for more details.
 

FAQ: Calculating Force and Weight in a Simple Statics Problem

What is force?

Force is a physical quantity that describes the interaction between two objects. It is measured in Newtons (N) and is represented by the symbol F.

How is force calculated?

Force is calculated by multiplying the mass of an object by its acceleration. The formula is F = m x a, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration.

What are the different types of forces?

There are several types of forces, including gravitational force, electromagnetic force, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force. Other common types of forces include frictional force, tension force, and normal force.

How does force affect motion?

According to Newton's Laws of Motion, force is directly proportional to an object's acceleration and inversely proportional to its mass. This means that the greater the force applied to an object, the greater its acceleration will be.

Can force be negative?

Yes, force can be negative. Negative force represents a force in the opposite direction of a positive force. For example, if a car is accelerating forward, the force of friction acting on it would be considered a negative force because it is acting in the opposite direction of the car's motion.

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