Carrying household appliances can be very difficult due to the weight and size. Some movers place the appliance on a dolly and move it around, however this can cause damage to floors, and it also does not work on stairs. A new technique is to utilize moving straps. These allow the movers to easily maneuver the appliance from the back of the truck to the location inside your home. If the washer has a weight of 800N and the straps make a 30 degree angle with the vertical, then what is the tension in the strap? When using these straps, a horizontal force is typically applied to the top of the appliance. Why?
Anyone?
To calculate the tension in the strap, we can use trigonometry. The tension in the strap can be decomposed into two components: a vertical component and a horizontal component. The vertical component of the tension counteracts the weight of the washer, while the horizontal component allows for easy maneuverability.
To find the tension in the strap, we can use the formula:
Tension = Force / cos(angle)
In this case, the force is the weight of the washer, which is given as 800N, and the angle is 30 degrees.
Tension = 800N / cos(30 degrees)
To find the tension, we first need to calculate the cosine of 30 degrees, which is √3/2 or approximately 0.866.
Tension = 800N / 0.866
Tension ≈ 923.88N
Therefore, the tension in the strap is approximately 923.88 Newtons.
Now, let's address why a horizontal force is applied to the top of the appliance when using these straps. When the movers apply a horizontal force to the top of the appliance, it helps in maintaining balance while maneuvering it. This force counteracts any tilting or tipping that may occur due to the weight of the appliance. By applying force horizontally, the movers can keep the appliance in an upright position, allowing for smoother transportation and preventing potential damage to the appliance or the surrounding area.