The illustration shows a block that is suspended with two ropes, one of which is horizontal. The weight of the block is $A = 68$ . Which numbered angle in the illustration is acute?
A) 3
B) 2
C) 1

Question

The illustration shows a block that is suspended with two ropes, one of which is horizontal. The weight of the block is $A = 68$ . Which numbered angle in the illustration is acute? 
A) 3 
B) 2 
C) 1

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order for angle 2 to be acute, the horizontal component of the force from rope 2 must be greater than the weight of the block (i.e. greater than 68). However, since the angle is labeled as 50 degrees and the sine function is increasing on the interval (0,90), the horizontal component of the force is given by 80sin50, which is greater than 68. Therefore, angle 2 is acute.

The Illustration Shows a Block That Is Suspended with Two A=68A = 68A=68

The Illustration Shows a Block That Is Suspended with Two $A = 68$