A body of mass of 18kg is suspended by an inextensible string from a rigid support and is pulled by a horizontal force F until the angle of inclination of the string to the vertical is 35º. If the system is in equilibrium, calculate the:
i. value of F
ii. tension in the string
Explanation
If the system is in equilibrium, then the weight of the body = the force pulling it
and the force = the vertical component of force F
since Force F is inclined to vertical then the vertical component = Fcos35º
the weight of the body = mg
Fcos35º = 18(10)
0.8192F = 180
F = \(\frac{180}{0.8192}\)
F = 219.7N
tension in the string
T = mg
T = 18kg × 10
T = 180N