A chain of length l with mass per unit length µ is suspended in a uniform gravitational field g from two points at positions (x, y) = (±a,0) where a < l/2. Assume that the chain is inflexible. a) Find the shape of the chain i.e. y(x) in terms of l, µ, g, and a. b) What is the tension in the chain, T(x)? c) Suppose that a mass M is suspended from the midpoint of the chain. What is the solution y(x) now?

A chain of length l with mass per unit length µ is suspended in a uniform gravitational field g from two points at positions (x, y) = (±a,0) where a < l/2. Assume that the chain is inflexible. a) Find the shape of the chain i.e. y(x) in terms of l, µ, g, and a. b) What is the tension in the chain, T(x)? c) Suppose that a mass M is suspended from the midpoint of the chain. What is the solution y(x) now?