Tension Formula:
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Definition: This formula calculates the tension force in a rope or cable when an object is suspended at an angle.
Purpose: It helps physics students and engineers determine the force exerted by angled supports in mechanical systems.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the increased tension when a mass is supported at an angle rather than hanging vertically.
Details: Proper tension calculation ensures safety in systems like cranes, zip lines, and suspension bridges.
Tips: Enter the mass in kg, gravity (default 9.81 m/s²), and angle (0-90°). Angle must be less than 90°.
Q1: Why does tension increase with angle?
A: At an angle, the vertical component must still support the weight, while the horizontal component adds to the total tension.
Q2: What happens at 90 degrees?
A: The formula becomes undefined (division by zero) as this would require infinite tension to support weight horizontally.
Q3: How does this differ from vertical tension?
A: At 0° (vertical), tension equals simply m×g. The angle increases the tension by 1/cos(θ).
Q4: What units should I use?
A: Use kg for mass, m/s² for gravity, and degrees for angle. Results are in Newtons (N).
Q5: Can I use this for multiple ropes?
A: For multiple ropes at different angles, you'd need to consider vector components for each.