- #1
toboldlygo
- 32
- 2
Homework Statement
In the figure below, the objects are attached to spring balances calibrated in Newtons. Give the readings of the balances in each case, assuming that the strings are massless and the incline is frictionless.
I need help with (d). If the picture's too grainy to read off the values, the two blocks weight 10 kg each, the angle is 30 degrees, and the sides are 5.2 m (right above the (d)) and 3 m.
Homework Equations
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F = ma, with Σ F = 0
The Attempt at a Solution
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So, I know the reading off the balance will be equivalent to the tension in the string. I've tried doing this problem two different ways: first, I found the total Weight force (98.1 N) and used the sin to find the hypotenuse, which was 196.2 N. Then, when that was wrong, I thought maybe I should use gravity, split it into components, and then multiply whatever the hypotenuse of that right triangle was by the mass. I got 196.2 N again. What am I doing wrong? I've drawn a free body diagram and everything, but I don't know what I'm doing wrong here. I have a suspicion I'm not drawing the forces correctly, but I'm not sure. Thanks in advance for any help!