1. What is Tension in a Cable?

Definition: Tension is the force conducted along a cable or rope when it is pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends.

Purpose: This calculator determines the tension force in an inclined cable supporting a mass, important for engineering and physics applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( T \) — Tension force (newtons)
• \( m \) — Mass being supported (kg)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
• \( \theta \) — Angle of cable inclination (degrees)

Explanation: The vertical component of the tension must balance the weight of the object (mg), so tension increases as the angle decreases.

3. Importance of Cable Tension Calculation

Details: Proper tension calculation ensures cables are strong enough to support loads without breaking and helps design stable structures.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass in kilograms and the cable angle in degrees (between 0 and 90). Gravity is fixed at 9.81 m/s².

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does tension increase at smaller angles?
A: At smaller angles, more of the tension force is directed horizontally, requiring greater total tension to provide the same vertical support.

Q2: What happens at 0 degrees?
A: The formula breaks down at 0° (perfectly horizontal) as sin(0)=0 would require infinite tension - in reality, cables always have some sag.

Q3: How does this apply to real-world cables?
A: This is a simplified model - actual cables account for factors like elasticity, cable weight, and environmental conditions.

Q4: What's a typical safety factor for cables?
A: Engineering applications often use safety factors of 3-5x the calculated tension to account for dynamic loads and material variations.

Q5: Can this be used for multiple cables?
A: For multiple cables at different angles, you would need to consider vector components of each cable's tension.