Question

A block of weight W is suspended by a string of fixed length. The ends of the string are held at various positions as shown in the figures below. In which case, if any, is the magnitude of the tension along the string largest?

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Step1: Given data

A block of weight W is suspended by a string of fixed length.

Step2: Formula used

From the free-body diagram, we will get the component along the horizontal direction and the vertical direction and if the tension in the string is T then we will get $2T\cos \theta =W(T=tension,W=weight,\theta =angle)$

Step3: Analyzing the formula

$T=\frac{W}{2\cos \theta }$

If θ increases then, cosθ decreases, and the tension increases. So the tension will be maximum when the θ is maximum.

Hence, option A is the correct answer.