Question

A wire can support a load $w$ without breaking. It is cut into two equal parts. The maximum load that each can support is:

• A. $\frac{W}{4}$
• B. $\frac{W}{2}$
• C. $W$
• D. $2W$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $W$

Maximum load supported by the cable is directly proportional to the breaking stress.

Since,

$Breakingstress=F/A$

where F is the force and A is the cross-sectional area

As we see that the breaking stress is independent of the length of the cable. So, if the cable is cut in two equal parts, the maximum load that can supported by either part of the cable remain same as before.