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physninj
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Homework Statement
I attached the original problem and a diagram I made with the variables on it. Basically we have a rod hanging from a wire at an angle theta with tension and the other end floating in water. So there is T=tension, weight=w=mg and buoyant force=F_b. I introduced symbols for total length L and submerged length x along with the height the rod hangs from h. The rod has a density half that of water or 500 kg/m^3.
Homework Equations
Ʃτ=0, about top of rod Ʃτ= (L/2)mgcosθ-(L-x/2)Fbcosθ=0
ƩFx=0,
ƩFy=0=T+Fb-mg
The Attempt at a Solution
The real difficulty I am having is that it's unclear what my answer should look like. I think it should depend upon the height and length of the rod. I really don't know what I'm expected to treat as known and unknown, and I only have two equations so I can only solve for two things correct? It asks for the fraction submerged which is x/L, but if those are the unknowns then the forces would have to be known. I keep going in circles on this one and it's driving me mad. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
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