Find magnitude of the force of tension?

In summary, the conversation is discussing a physics problem involving a gorilla hanging from two vines at a 30 degree angle. The problem asks to draw a free-body diagram and find the tension in each vine. Using the formula Force = mass * gravity, the tension is calculated to be 2630.985177N, but this is incorrect. The correct approach is to draw a free-body diagram and determine the downward and upward forces acting on the gorilla.
  • #1
TLink11
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Homework Statement


About 50 years ago, the San Diego Zoo, in California, had the largest gorilla on Earth: its mass was about 3.10 * 10^2 kg. Suppose a gorilla with this mass hangs from two vines, each which makes an angel of 30 degrees with the vertical. Draw a free-body diagram showing these various forces, and find the magnitude of the force of tension in each vine.
m = 310kg
angle of each vine = 30
g= 9.8 m/s

Homework Equations


Force = m * g

The Attempt at a Solution


F = 310 * 9.8 = 3038N
Cos30 * 3038N = 2630.985177N <- Would this be the tension for each vine? I'm not good at physics so I need confirmation/help.
 
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TLink11 said:

The Attempt at a Solution


F = 310 * 9.8 = 3038N
Cos30 * 3038N = 2630.985177N <- Would this be the tension for each vine? I'm not good at physics so I need confirmation/help.
No, it doesn't work out that way.
Did you draw a free-body diagram showing all the forces acting on the gorilla? Do that, then answer these questions:

What is the downward force (or forces) acting on the gorilla?
What is the upward force (or forces) acting on the gorilla?

That should help you towards solving the problem.
 

Related to Find magnitude of the force of tension?

What is the definition of "magnitude of the force of tension"?

The magnitude of the force of tension refers to the strength or intensity of the pulling force acting on an object. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (size) and direction.

How is the magnitude of the force of tension calculated?

The magnitude of the force of tension can be calculated using the formula F = ma, where F is the force, m is the mass of the object, and a is the acceleration. Alternatively, it can also be calculated using the formula F = mg, where g is the acceleration due to gravity.

What factors affect the magnitude of the force of tension?

The magnitude of the force of tension is affected by the mass of the object, the angle of the rope or string, and the acceleration due to gravity. It is also affected by any other forces acting on the object, such as friction or air resistance.

How is the magnitude of the force of tension different from the force of gravity?

The magnitude of the force of tension and the force of gravity are two different forces. The force of gravity is a downward force that is exerted on all objects due to the Earth's gravitational pull. The magnitude of the force of tension, on the other hand, is the strength of a pulling force that is applied to an object by a rope, string, or other similar object.

Why is it important to find the magnitude of the force of tension in scientific research?

Knowing the magnitude of the force of tension is important in many scientific fields, such as physics, engineering, and biomechanics. It allows us to understand and predict the behavior of objects and systems under tension, and to design structures and devices that can withstand specific amounts of tension without breaking. It also helps us to calculate other important quantities, such as stress and strain, which are crucial in understanding the strength and durability of materials.

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