Tension on a wire with equal angles

In summary, the tension in the wires holding a 100N light suspended from a beam with two wires at 40 degrees is 77.8N for each wire. Changing the angle to 30 degrees would result in different numerical values for the tensions, but the equations would remain the same.
  • #1
nicolette2413
8
0
1. A 100N light is suspended from a beam with two wires. Both wires make angles of 40 degrees with the beam.

2. What is the tension in the wires?

3. Ok here's what I have so far...
Sum Fx: T2(cos 40)-T1(cos 40)=0
so T2=T1

Sum Fy: T2 (sin 40)+T1(sin 40+(-100)=0
so T2(sin 40)+T1(sin 40)=100

With subsitutions...
T1(sin 40)+T1(sin 40)=100

And T1=77.8N, T2=77.8N, and T3=100N
Is this correct? And does changing the angle change the final breakdown? Such as if the angle was 30 degrees vice 40 degrees??
 
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  • #2
That looks correct to me. If the angles both changed to 30 degrees, the equations would be exactly the same, except the tensions would have different numerical answers compared to if the angles were 40 degrees. This is because there is a smaller y component of tension.
 
  • #3
Thank you ! This has been getting me for about 2 weeks now.
 

Related to Tension on a wire with equal angles

1. What is meant by "tension on a wire with equal angles"?

"Tension on a wire with equal angles" refers to the amount of pulling force exerted on a wire that is suspended at equal angles from two or more points. This tension is typically measured in units of force, such as pounds or newtons.

2. What factors affect the tension on a wire with equal angles?

The tension on a wire with equal angles is affected by several factors, including the weight of the wire itself, the weight of any objects attached to the wire, the distance between the points of suspension, and the angle of the wire relative to the points of suspension.

3. How is the tension on a wire with equal angles calculated?

The tension on a wire with equal angles can be calculated using the formula T = (W x L)/2sinθ, where T is the tension, W is the weight of the wire and any attached objects, L is the distance between the points of suspension, and θ is the angle of the wire relative to the points of suspension.

4. What are some real-world applications of studying tension on a wire with equal angles?

Studying tension on a wire with equal angles is important in various real-world applications, such as designing suspension bridges, calculating the weight capacity of cranes and other lifting equipment, and understanding the stability of structures that use cables or wires for support.

5. How does the tension on a wire with equal angles change if the angles are not equal?

If the angles of the wire are not equal, the tension on the wire will be unevenly distributed, with more tension on the side with the steeper angle. This can result in an imbalanced or unstable structure, and it is important to carefully consider the angles when designing structures that use cables or wires for support.

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