Final answer:
To determine tensions in cables supporting a hook, draw a free-body diagram, apply the equilibrium condition, use trigonometry based on the angles of the cables, and consider the torques for equilibrium.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question involves finding the tensions in cables that support a hook under equilibrium. This can be broken down into a few steps. First, you need to draw a free-body diagram to understand the forces involved and their directions. Second, apply the equilibrium condition (∑F = 0) to determine the tensions in the system. The y-components of the tension must balance the applied vertical force, and the x-components must cancel each other out for horizontal equilibrium. Lastly, use trigonometry to find the tensions in the cables based on the angles they make with the horizontal or vertical.
To calculate the tension in each cable (Problem 26), you need to know the weight of the system (200 N) and the angles the cables make with the vertical. These are obtained through the geometry of the system (Problem 26 does not specify the angles, so an assumption or provision of more information is necessary). Given the weight and cable angles, we can calculate the upward components of the tensions which must sum to the weight of the system for vertical equilibrium. To consider torques, choose a pivot point and ensure the sum of torques around that point is zero.