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Where did i go wrong :( easy mechanics

naxiv

I feel so stupid missing the first Q but i swear it seems correct

Bump

Original post by naxiv

Bump

You seem to be applying the sine rule. That will relate the lengths of the sides of the triangle formed by the strings but says nothing about the tensions in them.

You need to apply Newton 2 horizontally, by resolving the two forces into vertical/horizontal components.

Reply 3

naxiv

Doesnt the sine rule so apply for forcrs

Original post by atsruser

Reply 4

atsruser

Original post by naxiv

Doesnt the sine rule so apply for forcrs

It can apply to forces, if you are using it in a vector diagram whose lengths represent the magnitudes of the forces, but here, you have a picture of a couple of strings; they are not forces themselves, although they produce the force. The lengths of the strings says nothing about the tension in the strings. For example, a 1 kg mass hanging stationary on the end of a 1 m rope produces the same tension as a 1 kg mass on the end of a 10 m rope.