Topic: Engineering Mechanics
A 10 kg mass is hung from 2 light, inextensible strings as shown. The tension in the horizontal string is nearly
- A. 49 N
- B. 57 N
- C. 100 N
- D. 0 N
Answer: B. 57 N
Explanation: Based on the free body diagram, the system is in static equilibrium. The angled string T1 has a vertical component that balances the weight, so T1 * sin(60°) = m * g. This evaluates to T1 * ($\sqrt{3}$/2) = 10 * 9.81, leading to T1 = 196.2 / $\sqrt{3}$. The horizontal string T2 balances the horizontal component of T1, yielding T2 = T1 * cos(60°). Substituting T1 into this equation provides T2 = (196.2 / $\sqrt{3}$) * 0.5 = 98.1 / $\sqrt{3}$, which calculates to approximately 56.63 N, closest to 57 N.