Chapter 2, Problem 7A

How much tension is in a rope that holds up a 20-N bag of apples at rest?

To determine

Tension in the rope.

Answer to Problem 7A

Tension in the rope is $T=20\text{N}$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

Weight of bag of apples, $W=20\text{N}$

Formula Used:

For mechanical equilibrium, summation of all forces is zero, that is

  $\sum F=0$

Calculation:

The weight of bag will be downward and tension in rope will be upward.

Let, tension in rope is T

Since, the bag is in mechanical equilibrium so, $\sum F=0$ or

Upward force = Downward force

  $\begin{array}{l}\Rightarrow T=W\\ \Rightarrow T=20\text{N}\end{array}$

Conclusion:

Therefore, the tension in rope is $T=20\text{N}$