(a) Usually we think of strings and blocks as single objects upon which external forces act,...

 

Transcribed Image Text:

(a) Usually we think of strings and blocks as single objects upon which external forces act, but we can think about and draw force diagrams for any piece of material within a larger object. A metal cable with length L and weight W hangs from the ceiling by one end. What is the tension in the cable in a tiny piece just beneath the ceiling? (b) What is the tension in the cable at the very bottom of the cable? (c) Draw a force diagram for a tiny piece of the cable in the middle. (d) What is the tension in that tiny piece of cable in the middle? (e) In addition to ropes and cables, solid objects can also exert a pull (tension). A metal rod with length L and weight W hangs from the ceiling by one end. Write a function T(y) for the tension in the rod. (f) If a metal cable and a metal rod are made of the same type of steel and are the same length and diameter, is there any difference between the types of forces the two can exert? (a) Usually we think of strings and blocks as single objects upon which external forces act, but we can think about and draw force diagrams for any piece of material within a larger object. A metal cable with length L and weight W hangs from the ceiling by one end. What is the tension in the cable in a tiny piece just beneath the ceiling? (b) What is the tension in the cable at the very bottom of the cable? (c) Draw a force diagram for a tiny piece of the cable in the middle. (d) What is the tension in that tiny piece of cable in the middle? (e) In addition to ropes and cables, solid objects can also exert a pull (tension). A metal rod with length L and weight W hangs from the ceiling by one end. Write a function T(y) for the tension in the rod. (f) If a metal cable and a metal rod are made of the same type of steel and are the same length and diameter, is there any difference between the types of forces the two can exert?