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June 2014 p42 q3
3658
A and B are fixed points of a vertical wall with A vertically above B. A particle P of mass 0.7 kg is attached to A by a light inextensible string of length 3 m. P is also attached to B by a light inextensible string of length 2.5 m. P is maintained in equilibrium at a distance of 2.4 m from the wall by a horizontal force of magnitude 10 N acting on P (see diagram). Both strings are taut, and the 10 N force acts in the plane APB which is perpendicular to the wall. Find the tensions in the strings.
Solution
To solve for the tensions in the strings, we resolve the forces acting on P both horizontally and vertically.
1. **Horizontal Resolution:**
The horizontal component of the tension in the string attached to A is \(T_1 \cos 36.9^ ext{o}\) and for the string attached to B is \(T_2 \cos 16.3^ ext{o}\). The horizontal force is 10 N.
The vertical component of the tension in the string attached to A is \(T_1 \sin 36.9^ ext{o}\) and for the string attached to B is \(T_2 \sin 16.3^ ext{o}\). The weight of P is \(0.7g\) N.