Math Problem Statement
An uniform 8m metal rod AB of weight 400N is hinged to the wall at point B. The end A of the rod is connected with a string of length 6m to the wall at point C. Calculate the tension of the string.
Solution
The given problem involves a uniform rod and a string attached to the wall at point . This is a typical static equilibrium problem where we need to calculate the tension in the string.
Assumptions:
- The rod is hinged at point and is kept in equilibrium by the string .
- The rod is uniform, so its weight acts at its center of mass, which is at the midpoint of the rod.
- The tension in the string and the reactions at the hinge at keep the system in equilibrium.
Let's break the problem into steps and calculate the tension in the string.
Step 1: Label the known values.
- Length of the rod
- Weight of the rod
- Length of the string
Step 2: Geometrical considerations.
- Let’s assume the point is on the wall vertically below point .
- The horizontal distance between points and , denoted by , is 6 m (since the string is fully stretched and horizontal).
- The rod makes an angle with the horizontal, and we can calculate it using geometry.
Step 3: Torque equilibrium.
The system is in static equilibrium, so the sum of torques about any point must be zero. Let's choose point as the pivot point to eliminate the reaction forces at the hinge.
The two forces causing torque are:
- The weight of the rod acting at its center of mass (at 4 m from point ).
- The tension in the string acting at point .
Torque due to the weight of the rod:
The weight acts at the midpoint of the rod (4 m from point ). The torque due to this force is:
The perpendicular distance is calculated using the angle between the rod and the horizontal, which we can find from the geometry.
Let’s calculate the angle of the rod first. The right triangle formed by , , and has:
- (rod length)
- (horizontal distance)
So, using Pythagoras' theorem:
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Static Equilibrium
Torque
Geometry
Pythagoras' Theorem
Formulas
Torque = Force × Perpendicular Distance
Pythagoras' Theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2
Theorems
Pythagoras' Theorem
Principle of Moments (Torque Equilibrium)
Suitable Grade Level
Grade 11-12 (Physics and Advanced Mathematics)