Math Problem Statement

A box weighing w = 30.0 N is hanging from a vertical rope, which connects two other ropes attached to the ceiling at angles θ1 = 27.0° and θ2 = 60.0°. The box is in static equilibrium with no acceleration. All three ropes can be treated as massless.

Solution

This is a physics problem involving forces in equilibrium. The box weighing w=30.0Nw = 30.0 \, \text{N} is hanging from a vertical rope, with two additional ropes attached to the ceiling at angles θ1=27\theta_1 = 27^\circ and θ2=60\theta_2 = 60^\circ. The system is in static equilibrium, which means the net force acting on the system is zero in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

To solve for the tensions T1T_1, T2T_2, and T3T_3 in the ropes, we can break the forces down into their components:

Vertical forces:

  • The vertical forces must balance out the weight of the box.
  • The vertical component of tension T1T_1 is T1sin(θ1)T_1 \sin(\theta_1), and the vertical component of tension T2T_2 is T2sin(θ2)T_2 \sin(\theta_2).
  • The sum of these vertical components must equal the weight T3=wT_3 = w, which directly acts downwards.

Thus: T1sin(θ1)+T2sin(θ2)=wT_1 \sin(\theta_1) + T_2 \sin(\theta_2) = w Substituting w=30.0Nw = 30.0 \, \text{N}, θ1=27\theta_1 = 27^\circ, and θ2=60\theta_2 = 60^\circ: T1sin(27)+T2sin(60)=30.0NT_1 \sin(27^\circ) + T_2 \sin(60^\circ) = 30.0 \, \text{N}

Horizontal forces:

  • The horizontal components of the tensions must cancel each other out.
  • The horizontal component of tension T1T_1 is T1cos(θ1)T_1 \cos(\theta_1), and the horizontal component of tension T2T_2 is T2cos(θ2)T_2 \cos(\theta_2).

Thus: T1cos(θ1)=T2cos(θ2)T_1 \cos(\theta_1) = T_2 \cos(\theta_2)

We now have two equations with two unknowns, T1T_1 and T2T_2, which can be solved simultaneously.

Let me calculate these values for you.The tensions in the two ropes are:

  • T1=15.02NT_1 = 15.02 \, \text{N}
  • T2=26.77NT_2 = 26.77 \, \text{N}

Since the system is in equilibrium, these tensions ensure that both the horizontal and vertical force components balance out.

Would you like further details or have any questions? Here are some related questions for deeper understanding:

  1. How does changing the angles θ1\theta_1 and θ2\theta_2 affect the tension in the ropes?
  2. If the weight of the box increased, how would the tensions in T1T_1 and T2T_2 change?
  3. Can you explain the role of equilibrium in solving this problem?
  4. What assumptions are we making about the mass of the ropes and the pulleys?
  5. How would this problem change if there were friction at the ceiling attachments?

Tip: When solving for forces in equilibrium, always break down the forces into horizontal and vertical components and solve using simultaneous equations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Statics
Trigonometry

Formulas

T1 * sin(θ1) + T2 * sin(θ2) = w
T1 * cos(θ1) = T2 * cos(θ2)

Theorems

Equilibrium of forces
Trigonometric resolution of vectors

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (High School Physics)