Physics questions of the day?

Question

I know the answers... please help me work them out. Thanks!

The steel I-beam in the drawing has a weight of 8.00 kN and is being lifted at a constant velocity. What is the tension in each cable attached to its ends? There is a triangle drawn with 70 degree angles on both the left and right sides.

Answer 1

PinkyTrauma:

First, each cable is going to lift one-half the weight of the beam or 4.00 kN.

Second. vectors. The upwards force each cable has to supply is 4.00 kN. Since cables can only supply force in tension, i.e., the direction they are oriented, we gott'a figure out the overall force they have to carry. Now simple trig:

F= 4.00kN/Sin (theta)
{Note, I don't have your drawing. I am assuming that 0 deg is horizonatal and 90 deg is straight up}

F= 4.26 kN

Good luck

Remo