Tension Problems What is Tension Tension is defined

Tension Problems

What is Tension? • Tension is defined as a force transmitted along a rope, chain, or wire. • Tension will remain constant throughout the length of the rope. • Tension is treated as a force in force diagrams and calculations • Tension is measured in force units. (Newtons, dynes, or pounds (yuk!))

Weight or mass? What’s the difference? • Mass is the amount of matter that an object is made up of, measured in g, kg, slugs • The mass of an object remains constant at any location in the universe unless matter is added or removed • Weight is the force of gravity acting on an object, measured in force units (N, dynes, or pounds) • Weight depends on the acceleration due to gravity for the location of the object. • Weight (w) = mg

Problems in Equilibrium • Since the object has no acceleration, the net force is equal to zero • The y-components of tension should be equal to the objects weight ( Fy=0) • The forces in the x-direction should cancel each other ( Fx=0)

Force Diagram (Free-Body Diagram) Ta Tay=Tasin 1 Tax=Tacos 1 1 Tb Tby=Tbsin 2 2 Tbx=Tbcos 2 W=mg

Applying Newton’s 2 nd Law Since the sign is in equilibrium, the net force must be equal to zero. θ 1 Ta θ 2 Tb W=mg Fy = Ta sin θ 1+Tb sin θ 2 -W = 0 Fy =Ta cos θ 1 -Tb cos θ 2 = 0