How Do You Calculate the Tension in the Cable Supporting a Pivoted Steel Bar?

In summary, a 365 kg mass is supported on a wire attached to a 15 m long steel bar that is pivoted at a 10 meter vertical wall and supported by a cable. The tension in the cable can be found by setting up a free body diagram and using the equilibrium equations, including dividing forces into components and using Newton's second law of motion, and considering net torque with a well chosen pivot point. The angle between the wall and the bar is 60 degrees.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


A 365 kg mass is supported on a wire attached to a 15 m long steel bar that is pivoted at a 10 meter vertical wall and supported by a cable. The mass of the bar is 100 kg. (Take right and up to be positive.)
With the cable attached to the bar 5.0 m from the lower end find the tension in the cable. The angle between the wall and the rod is 60 degree.


Homework Equations


equilibrium equations


The Attempt at a Solution


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  • #2
Setup a free body diagram, with the appropriate forces. You'll most likely need to assume the wire and cables are massless. Now this system is in equilibrium, the net force and net torque is zero. For the net force, divide the forces into components and use Newton's second law of motion. To get the tension, set up appropriate equations with the formulas for net torque. Remember to choose a pivot point. With a well chosen pivot point, you don't need to consider some of the torque.
 

FAQ: How Do You Calculate the Tension in the Cable Supporting a Pivoted Steel Bar?

What is tension in a wire?

Tension in a wire is the force that is exerted on the wire when it is stretched or pulled at both ends. It is also known as the pulling force or the stretching force.

How is tension measured in a wire?

Tension is typically measured in units of Newtons (N) or pounds (lbs). This can be done using a tension gauge or by calculating the force using the equation T = F/A, where T is tension, F is force, and A is the cross-sectional area of the wire.

What factors affect tension in a wire?

The tension in a wire is influenced by several factors, including the material of the wire, its length, and the amount of weight or force pulling on it. The thickness and temperature of the wire can also impact tension.

How does tension affect the behavior of a wire?

Tension can affect the behavior of a wire in several ways. It can cause the wire to stretch or elongate, and it can also cause the wire to become stiffer or more rigid. Too much tension can lead to the wire breaking or snapping.

What are some practical applications of finding tension in a wire?

Finding tension in a wire is important in many fields, such as engineering, construction, and physics. It is used to determine the strength and stability of structures, to calculate the load capacity of cables and wires, and to design and test various mechanical systems.

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