Question

Add the following vectors graphically. Use scale 1cm = 1m.

13. Two ropes in a vertical plane exert equal magnitude forces on a hanging weight but pull with

an angle of 86o between them. What pull does each one exerts if their resultant pull is 372 N

directly upward? Use component method. (N or Newton is unit of force, a vector quantity)

Answer 1

Find the magnitude of the vertical component of either force:

$$T_y=T\cos\frac{86°}2.$$

The resultant tension of 372 N, by the component method, is

$$372=T_y+T_y=2T_y,\\\space\\ 372=2T\cos\frac{86°}2,\\\space\\ T=\frac{372}{2\cos43°}=254\text{ N}.$$