Tension Problem x and y components?

In summary, a man with a mass of 70 kg is hanging by two cables, each inclined at 60 degrees to the horizontal. A horizontal pulling force of 250 N is applied to the man, causing him to remain stationary. By using the equations F = w = mg and A + B + F + W = 0, it can be determined that the downward W force is 686 N. To find the tension in the cables, a system of equations can be set up using the x and y components. After evaluating the cos and sin terms and turning them into decimals, one can solve for A and B and then use these values to find the tensions of the cables.
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Tension Problem x and y components??

Homework Statement



A man of mass 70.0 kg hangs by 2 cables A and B each inclined at 60.0 degrees to the horizontal.

A horizontal pulling force F is applied to the man pulling to the right. The man remains stationary. If F has magnitude 250 N, find the magnitudes of the tension in the 2 cables.


Homework Equations



F=w=mg
A+B+F+W=0



The Attempt at a Solution



(70 kg)(9.8)=686 N
the downward W force is 686 N

x-component
Ax+Bx+F=0
Acos120+Bcos60+250=0

y-component
Ay+By+W=0
Asin120+Bsin60+686=0

I know there is a system of equations here and that i can use substitution or trigonometric triangles but I am not sure how to approach either of these methods. Any help would be great. Sorry i don't have a picture, i hope it makes sense.
 
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  • #2
Acos120+Bcos60+250=0
Asin120+Bsin60+686=0

Evaluate the cos and sin terms, and one has two equations and two unknowns, which one should be able to solve.
 
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hmm sorry it still doesn't make sense to me I am not sure how to put B in terms of A or A in terms of B and then after i find these numbers how to go about finding the tensions of the cables.
 
  • #4
First of all the weight is negative (sin270, right?)

Now turn all those sins and cos's into decimals, and rewrite the first equation so that it reads " A = blablablah + B(blah)"

then substitute that for the "A" in the second equation.
 

FAQ: Tension Problem x and y components?

What is a tension problem involving x and y components?

A tension problem involving x and y components refers to a physics problem in which a system of objects is connected by strings or ropes, and the tension forces acting on the objects are broken down into x and y components in order to solve the problem.

How do you determine the x and y components of tension forces?

The x and y components of tension forces can be determined by using trigonometric functions, such as sine and cosine, to break down the forces into their horizontal (x) and vertical (y) components. This is based on the fact that the angle between the tension force and the x or y axis forms a right triangle.

What are some common strategies for solving tension problems with x and y components?

Some common strategies for solving tension problems with x and y components include drawing a free-body diagram to visualize the forces acting on the objects, breaking down the tension forces into their x and y components, and using Newton's laws of motion to analyze the forces and solve for unknown variables.

Why are tension problems with x and y components important in science?

Tension problems with x and y components are important in science because they are applicable to real-world scenarios, such as analyzing the forces acting on a bridge or a pulley system. They also help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as understanding of fundamental principles in physics.

Can you provide an example of how to solve a tension problem with x and y components?

Sure, let's say we have two objects connected by a string, with object A having a mass of 5 kg and object B having a mass of 3 kg. The string makes an angle of 30 degrees with the horizontal. To solve for the tension force in the string, we can use trigonometry to find the x and y components of the tension force, and then use Newton's second law to set up an equation and solve for the tension force. The final answer would be the magnitude of the tension force in newtons.

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