Passage V

If an object is at rest and the sum of the forces acting on it is zero, the object is in a state of static equilibrium. In each trial of 2 experiments on static equilibrium, 3 cables and a cylinder were arranged as shown in Figure 1.

Cables 1, 2, and 3, each with its own tensiometer (a device used to measure tension), were joined with a single knot, The free ends of Cables 1 and 2 were attached to an L-shaped support, and a cylinder of mass M was suspended from the free end of Cable 3. Cable 1 made an angle with the top of the support, and Cable 2 made a 90° angle with the side of the support. None of the cables stretched under tension. The tension forces acting on the knot, which was in static equilibrium, are shown in Figure 2.

The tension in Cable 1, , had a horizontal component, and a vertical component, · The tension in Cable 2, , was purely horizontal, and the tension in Cable 3, , was purely vertical.

Experiment 1

In Trials 1-5, M was 1.0 kg and 0 was varied. Table 1 lists , in degrees, as well as , , , and , each in newtons (N), for each trial.

Experiment 2

In Trials 6-10, M was varied and was 50°. Table 2 lists M as well as , , , and for each trial.