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June 2013 p42 q3
3661
A particle P of mass 2.1 kg is attached to one end of each of two light inextensible strings. The other ends of the strings are attached to points A and B which are at the same horizontal level. P hangs in equilibrium at a point 40 cm below the level of A and B, and the strings PA and PB have lengths 50 cm and 104 cm respectively (see diagram). Show that the tension in the string PA is 20 N, and find the tension in the string PB.
Solution
To solve for the tensions in the strings, we resolve the forces acting on P horizontally and vertically. Let the tension in PA be TA and in PB be TB.
Using the geometry of the triangle formed by the strings and the vertical line, we have: