Question

A frame hanging on a wall is held by two cables. The tension in each cable is 30 N, and the cables make an angle of 45° with the horizontal, as shown in the picture. What is the weight of the frame?

A) 10.2 N
B) 21.2 N
C) 32.4 N
D) 42.4 N

Answer 1

Answer: option D) 42.4 N

The weight of the frame 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°

⇒ W = 2×30 N × sin 45° = 2 × 30 N × 0.707 = 42.4 N

Hence, the weight of the frame is 42.4 N. Correct option is D.