How to Calculate the Weight of an Object Using Tension and Angles
What is the weight of an object held by two cables with a tension of 30 N each, making an angle of 45° with the horizontal?
A) 10.2 N
B) 21.2 N
C) 32.4 N
D) 42.4 N
Answer: option D) 42.4 N
Calculation of the Weight of the Object
The weight of the object is balanced by the vertical component of tension.
W = T sin θ + T sin θ = 2 T sin θ
The tension in each cable is T = 30 N
Angle made by the cables with the horizontal, θ = 45°
Therefore, W = 2 × 30 N × sin 45° = 2 × 30 N × 0.707 = 42.4 N
Hence, the weight of the object held by the two cables is 42.4 N. The correct option is D.