QuestionAfter a mishap, a circus performer clings to a trapeze, which is being pulled to the side by another circus artist, as shown here. Calculate the tension in the two ropes if the person is momentarily motionless. Include a free-body diagram in your solution.
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
1. The system is in static equilibrium, meaning the net force in both the horizontal and vertical directions is zero.
2. The weight of the circus performer acts vertically downward.
3. The angles given are with respect to the vertical and horizontal as described.
STEP 2
1. Draw a free-body diagram.
2. Set up equations for equilibrium conditions.
3. Solve for the tensions in the ropes.
STEP 3
Draw a free-body diagram of the forces acting on the trapeze. Include: - The weight acting downward, where and . - Tension at an angle from the vertical. - Tension at an angle from the horizontal.
STEP 4
Set up the equilibrium conditions for the vertical forces. The sum of vertical components of the tensions must equal the weight:
STEP 5
Set up the equilibrium conditions for the horizontal forces. The horizontal components of the tensions must cancel each other out:
STEP 6
Solve the system of equations for and .
First, solve for using the horizontal equilibrium equation:
Substitute into the vertical equilibrium equation:
Simplify and solve for :
Calculate :
Now calculate :
The tensions in the ropes are approximately and .
Was this helpful?