Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Equilibrium of forces

Equilibrium of forces — practice question

A picture is held up from a nail by one cord attached to two points $X$ and $Y$ on the picture. Friction between the cord and the nail is negligible, so the tension is the same on both sides of the cord. The picture is in a symmetrical position, as illustrated. The tension in the cord is $T$. On each side, the angle between the cord and the vertical is $\theta$. Which statement is correct?

  • AIncreasing the length of the cord, with points $X$ and $Y$ in the same place on the picture, would reduce the tension in the cord.
  • BMoving points $X$ and $Y$ further apart on the picture while keeping the length of the cord constant would reduce the tension in the cord.
  • CMoving points $X$ and $Y$ to the top edge of the picture while keeping their distance apart constant and the length of the cord constant would reduce the tension in the cord.
  • DThe weight of the picture is equal to $T \cos \theta$.

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