A 240-N weight is hung from two ropes as shown. The tension in the horizontal rope has magnitude:
A) 0 N
B) 660 N
C) 480 N
D) 420 N
E) 140 N

Question

A 240-N weight is hung from two ropes as shown. The tension in the horizontal rope has magnitude: 
A) 0 N 
B) 660 N 
C) 480 N 
D) 420 N 
E) 140 N

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If we draw the free body diagram of the weight, we can see that the tension in the horizontal rope is the only force acting on it in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the tension in the horizontal rope must be equal in magnitude to the weight of the object, which is 240 N. Therefore, the correct answer is D) 420 N.

A 240-N Weight Is Hung from Two Ropes as Shown