Final answer:
The tension in each of the three cables supporting the traffic light is 66.7 N. Therefore, the correct answer is a) Tension1 = 66.7 N, Tension2 = 66.7 N, Tension3 = 66.7 N.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the tension in each of the three cables supporting the traffic light, we need to consider the forces acting on the traffic light. Let's assume the angle between each cable and the vertical is the same, labeled as θ. Since the weight of the traffic light is given as 2.00 × 10² N, the sum of the vertical components of the tensions must equal this weight.
This implies that the tension in each cable is equal to the weight divided by the number of cables, which gives us Tension1 = Tension2 = Tension3 = 2.00 × 10² N / 3. Therefore, the correct answer is option a) Tension1 = 66.7 N, Tension2 = 66.7 N, Tension3 = 66.7 N.
tension refers to the force experienced by a rope, string, cable, or any other flexible connector when it's pulled on both ends. It's the force transmitted through the object when it's pulled tight by forces acting in opposite directions.
Here are a few key points about tension in physics:
Nature of Tension: Tension is a pulling force that operates along the length of the object. For instance, when you pull both ends of a rope, the tension force acts along the rope's length.
Equal and Opposite: In an ideal scenario without external forces, the tension in a rope or string is equal throughout its length. When considering a simple scenario where the rope is not accelerating, the tension at both ends must be the same if the rope is not stretching or breaking.