Final answer:
To calculate the tension in the strap, the provided work done, distance moved, and angle of application are used in the work formula. After solving for tension, the result is approximately 52.4 N when rounded to three significant figures.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the tension in the strap when a circus performer pulls on a suitcase, we first understand that the work done on the suitcase by the strap is given by the formula:
Work = Force × Distance × cos(θ)
Where θ is the angle of the pull above the horizontal, which in this case is 39.6°. We're given the following
Using the work formula, we can solve for the force in the direction of the pull (which is the tension in the strap).
586.9 J = Tension (T) × 12.2 m × cos(39.6°)
Therefore, Tension (T) = 586.9 J / (12.2 m × cos(39.6°))
By calculating this, we find that the tension in the strap is:
Tension (T) ≈ 52.4 N
This result is rounded to three significant figures.