Yr 11 GMS Maths question: Statics of a particle (Physics)?

Question

Just need some help on how to picture this, if you can show me a diagram, then that would be enough. I really don't understand the wording that's all:

A string is connected to two points A and D in a horizontal line and weights of 12 kg and W kg are attached at points B and C. If AB, BC and CD make angles of 40◦, 20◦ and 50◦ respectively with the horizontal, calculate the tensions in the string and the weight W.

Thanks :D

Answer 1

I can't draw it for you but here's how to do it. Draw a line horizontally across the top of a page and label the ends A (left) and D (right.

Draw a line down from A at about 40 degrees to horizontal. Label the end B and from it, continue the line down more shallow at only 20 degrees to a point C. This joined to D will go up at about 50 degrees.

Add lines downwards from B and C to represent the force of gravity on the weights hanging there.

It does not matter whether the angles and lengths on the diagram are accurate. It is only to help you do the calculation. I presume that you know you label the tensions in each part of the string as T1, T2, T3. Resolve these into components horizontal and vertical.

Now use the fact that at both B and C the horizontal components must be equal and the vertical components must be equal. This should give you enough equations to solve the question.

Hint. You should find that W = tension in string to the right of it.

Let me know whether you want the answers.