Two Ball Tension Homework: Find Tensions & Force Between Balls

In summary, two identical 11.1kg balls are suspended by two 35.0cm wires and supported by a single 18.0cm wire. The balls have a diameter of 28.4cm and smooth surfaces. Part a of the problem asks to find the tension in the top wire, which is 218N. The person is stuck on parts b and c, which involve finding the tension in each of the two bottom wires and the force that each ball exerts on the other. They have found the angles of the corresponding triangles but have not been able to find the correct tension using the cosine and weight of a single ball. They are looking for help before the midnight deadline.
  • #1
lhinds7
5
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Homework Statement
Two identical 11.1kg balls, each 28.4cm in diameter, are suspended by two 35.0cm wires as shown in the figure . The entire apparatus is supported by a single 18.0cm wire, and the surfaces of the balls are perfectly smooth.

a)Find the tension in the top wire.
b)Find the tension in each of two bottom wires.
c)How hard does each ball push on the other one?

YF-05-67.jpg


The attempt at a solution
I found the correct answer to part a (218N) by F=mg. I am stuck on part b and c. I have found the angles to the corresponding triangle the balls and string make. The top angle is 47.872deg and the bottom two are both 66.064deg. Taking the cosine of 1/2 the top angle and dividing by the weight of a single ball is what I would've though to yield the tension in the diagonal strings, but I was wrong with 119N. Can anybody enlighten me or point me in the right direction?
 
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  • #2
Yes, I actually have the same problem. Could someone help us please?
 
  • #3
Even if no one responds by midnight, when this is due, I still want to know how to do this.
 

FAQ: Two Ball Tension Homework: Find Tensions & Force Between Balls

What is the purpose of the "Two Ball Tension Homework"?

The purpose of the "Two Ball Tension Homework" is to practice calculating tensions and forces between two balls connected by a string or rope. This type of problem is common in physics and engineering, and it helps students develop their understanding of tension and forces.

How do you find the tension in a string connecting two balls?

The tension in a string can be found by using Newton's second law (F=ma) and applying it to each ball separately. Since the string is in tension, the forces acting on each ball will be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. By setting up equations for each ball and solving for the unknown tension, the tension in the string can be determined.

What factors affect the tension in a string?

The tension in a string is affected by the mass of the objects connected by the string, the acceleration of the objects, and the angle at which the string is pulled. The tension will increase with a greater mass or acceleration, and it will decrease with a smaller angle.

Can tension ever be negative?

No, tension is always a positive value. It represents the force being applied to an object to keep it in equilibrium, so it cannot be negative. If a negative value is obtained when solving for tension, it is likely an error in calculation.

How can the tension between two balls be used in real-life applications?

The tension between two balls can be used to analyze the forces acting on a system and determine if it is in equilibrium. This can be applied to structures such as bridges or cranes, as well as in sports such as rock climbing or bungee jumping. Understanding tension can also be helpful in designing and building structures that can withstand certain forces.

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