Static Equilibrium with a beam and cable

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a vertical beam supported by a cable and subjected to a horizontal force. The user attempts to calculate the tension in the cable and the reaction forces at the beam's base but initially oversimplifies the problem. Respondents suggest considering the horizontal force at the base support and summing moments to find the correct tension and reaction forces. There is a clarification that the term "moment" refers to torque, which is essential for solving the problem accurately. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding forces and moments in static equilibrium scenarios.
Juniper7
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Homework Statement


A uniform vertical beam of mass 40kg is acted on by a horizontal force of 520N at its top and is held, in the vertical position, by a cable as shown in the attached picture.
a) Calculate the tension in the cable
b) Determine the reaction forces acting on the beam by the ground

Homework Equations


F=T-mg

The Attempt at a Solution


I think I over simplified this:

∑Fx = Fcablecos28° - Fapplied force = 0
Fccos28° = Fa
Fc = 588.94N <---- answer to a)

∑Fy = Fcsin28° + mg - FN = 0
Fcsin28° + mg = FN
(588.94N)sin28° + (40kg)(9.81m/s2) = FN
FN = 668.49N <----- answer to b)

Thank you in advance for any help!
 

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Juniper7 said:

Homework Statement


A uniform vertical beam of mass 40kg is acted on by a horizontal force of 520N at its top and is held, in the vertical position, by a cable as shown in the attached picture.
a) Calculate the tension in the cable
b) Determine the reaction forces acting on the beam by the ground

Homework Equations


F=T-mg

The Attempt at a Solution


I think I over simplified this:

∑Fx = Fcablecos28° - Fapplied force = 0
Fccos28° = Fa
Fc = 588.94N <---- answer to a)

∑Fy = Fcsin28° + mg - FN = 0
Fcsin28° + mg = FN
(588.94N)sin28° + (40kg)(9.81m/s2) = FN
FN = 668.49N <----- answer to b)

Thank you in advance for any help!
Although not stated, the beam is presumably supported at its base by a pinned joint which can take both horizontal and vertical forces. You neglected to include the horizontal force at that beam base support. Try summing moments about it to calculate Ty, then continue.
 
PhanthomJay said:
Although not stated, the beam is presumably supported at its base by a pinned joint which can take both horizontal and vertical forces. You neglected to include the horizontal force at that beam base support. Try summing moments about it to calculate Ty, then continue.

Ok, So that would be like the force of friction? working in the opposite direction of the applied force?
 
Juniper7 said:
Ok, So that would be like the force of friction? working in the opposite direction of the applied force?
We'll it could be friction or a bolt connection , but it's direction wouldn't be opposite the applied force. Try summing moments about a point and summing forces = 0 and see what happens.
 
PhanthomJay said:
We'll it could be friction or a bolt connection , but it's direction wouldn't be opposite the applied force. Try summing moments about a point and summing forces = 0 and see what happens.

I'm sorry, I haven't learned to sum moments yet. Or what moments are. Is there a way to do it without that?
 
Juniper7 said:
I'm sorry, I haven't learned to sum moments yet. Or what moments are. Is there a way to do it without that?
Oh terminology. Moment is another name for torque. Sum torques like you did last problem. Vert comp of tension force at guy base times it's perp distance to beam base is equal to applied force times it's perp disr to beam base. That's one way to do it...others using free body diagrams...
 
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