Three strings are tied together. They are on top of a circular table and meet exactly in the center of the table. Each of the strings hangs over the edge of the table, and a weight is supported from it as shown. The masses m1 = 3.70 kg and m2 = 6.60 kg are known. The angle α = 72.6 degrees between strings 1 and 2 is also known.
What is the angle β between strings 1 and 3?
Where do I start on this problem? What equations relate to a problem like this?
Thanks.
2007-02-05 13:11:11 · 2 answers · asked by Defcon6 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
If you are still having problems with it I worked out the problem, following the same method Doug described, that you can look over, sorry for my bad handwriting heh..
http://blackgalaxy.tv/images/physics/phys_prob.jpg
2007-02-05 13:59:44 · answer #1 · answered by Dave 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm assumig that there's something in your textbook that says that the knot is static (not moving) so you know that the forces acting on it sum to zero (as shown somewhere in your Physics book). Calculate the vector sum of the forces acting on the knot that are provided by m1 and m2 (remember that F = mg where g is 9.8 m/s²). The resultant force is equal, but opposite in sign, to the force that must be supplied by the mass on the 3'rd string. From that you will have the angle of the string, and the magnitude of the mass.
Hope that helps.
Doug
2007-02-05 21:19:38 · answer #2 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋