Solve Tension Problem: mgsinθ Answer

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In summary, the conversation is about a problem involving a string attached to a wall and a box attached to the string. The solution to the problem involves finding the tension on the string, which can be done by observing that the tension must be the same at all points along the string. This is proven by looking at the string as a series of particles and noting that the attractions between particles along the string must be the same. The conversation also includes some friendly banter about the person's profile picture and where they are from.
  • #1
prettybabylily
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Can anyone help me solve this problem that i am a little confused about? i think the answer is tension=mgsin"theta", am i close at all?!

thanks!

According to the picture, from point A to point B is a string that is attached to wall. The string is twice the distance from Point A to Point O, and Point A to Point O's distance is the same as the distance between Point B Point O. If i put k upto the string, which has a box M that is attached to it. when it stops rolling on the string. what is the Tension on the string? (no friction applied)
 

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  • #2
just click the webpage below to check the answer,but I only provide answer for tension,since I am sure you will be able to find where the box stops sliding ,after you can find tension.hope it will benefit you



http://www.angelfire.com/ultra/reinhard
 
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  • #3
thank you!

thank you so much for your help!
 
  • #4
hi, what i don't understand is how do you know that theta equals to beta? the 2 angels i mean.

thanks
lily
btw, i like your icon, vic is =)
 
  • #5
Originally posted by prettybabylily
hi, what i don't understand is how do you know that theta equals to beta? the 2 angels i mean.

α and β are the same because:
The tension from K to A must be equal in magnitude to the tension from K to B because they are the same piece of rope and the horizontal components of the tension must cancel.
 
  • #6
yes, that is what i thought. as long as it is the same rope, then tension anywhere should be the same on the rope. but is there anyway that i can proof this theory.
 
  • #7
it is proved by observation.
the system more or less is like pulleys

(note:eek:bservation only focus on string and the ring H)

in the system,the moving part is actually the ring,but relative to ring ,the string is moving.

relative to the ring the string will keep moving until the tension in the string balance.because if the tension is not the same,then there will be net force produced ,which cause the string moves.

(now we look from particle view)
(note: open the graph attachment now)
don't forget that string also made up of particles.the graph is a picture of a string which is broken down into 4 particle for simplicity.

***now look at the third particle
the forth particle attract the third particle with F6 N and second particle attract thrird particle with F5 N
since the string in equilibrium,it implies that the third particle does not move,and it happens if F5=F6

***now look at the second particle
the third particle attract the second particle with F4 N and first particle attract second particle with F3 N.Also since the string in equilibrium,it implies that the second particle does not move,and it happens if F3=F4

***we know that attraction second particle to the third particle should be the same with the attraction of third particle to the second particle.That is to say F4=F5



so F3=F4=F5=F6 and so on along the string.

hence ,because the attractions between particles along the string are the same so we can conclude that the tensions along the string are the same(provided friction force neglected).

I hope they are clear

anyway how do you know vic chou?which country are you from? =)
 

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1. What is the definition of tension in physics?

Tension is a force that is transmitted through a string, rope, cable, or wire when it is pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends.

2. How do you calculate tension in a given system?

To calculate tension, you need to know the mass of the object, the angle of the string with respect to the horizontal, and the acceleration due to gravity. Tension can be calculated using the formula T = mgcosθ, where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the angle of the string with respect to the horizontal.

3. What is the significance of the "mgsinθ" in the solution to a tension problem?

In a tension problem, "mgsinθ" represents the component of the weight of an object that is parallel to the string. This component is responsible for creating tension in the string.

4. How does the angle of the string affect the tension?

The angle of the string affects the tension because it determines the amount of weight that is being supported by the string. The greater the angle, the greater the tension in the string.

5. Can tension be negative in a given system?

No, tension cannot be negative in a given system. It is a force that is always directed away from the object and can only have a positive value.

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