A traffic light weighing 15 pounds is suspended by two cables (see figure).Find the tension in each cable if θ₁ = 40° and θ₂ = 35°.Approximate the answers to one decimal place. A)T_L = 12.7 lb; TR = 12.7 lb B)T_L = 11.9 lb; TR = 11.9 lb C)T_L = 11.9 lb; TR = 12.7 lb D)T_L = 12.7 lb; TR = 11.9 lb E)T_L = 13.7 lb; TR = 12.9 lb

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We can use the equations for forces in equilibrium to solve for the tensions in each cable: ΣF_x = 0: T_R cos(40°) = T_L cos(35°) ΣF_y = 0: T_R sin(40°) + T_L sin(35°) = 15 lb We can then solve this system of equations to get: T_L = 12.7 lb T_R = 11.9 lb Therefore, the best choice is D: T_L = 12.7 lb; TR = 11.9 lb.

A Traffic Light Weighing 15 Pounds Is Suspended by Two