Question

Physics 12 Equilibrium Question!




A 75 kg traffic light is held stationary midway between two supports, as shown in the diagram below.


What is the tension in the cord?

Answer 1

Here is the list of information you need to know, my teacher provided the answer, but I do not know how to get there. Please show me your work, and explain. Thank you

Answer 2

The tension in each cord is the same, so each vertical component is 735/2 N. Use this triangle to set up a trig equation to solve for the hypotenuse.

Answer 3

@peachpi yes the two force of tension are the same so we can say

2 FT sin theta = W

Ft = 1/2 W divided by sin thetha

I get Ft= 373.2 N

but the answer is not the same.

Answer 4

What are you using for theta?

Answer 5

@peachpi I need your help

Answer 6

If you're using 80°, you should be using cosine.

Answer 7

so what should I do?

Answer 8

why cosine?

Answer 9

it is infront of angles.

Plus Fnet in x direction - 0 N we do not need it

Answer 10

@peachpi while you are writing, I am gonna show my work