Chapter 5.3, Problem 45SSC

To determine

The explanation about the equilibrium of the boxes.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The forces in the wire due to the weight of the painting vary with the variation in the angle between the wires.

The relation of the tension in the wires ( T ) and weight of the boxes ( W ) with the angle between the wires ( $\theta$ ) is given as,

$T=\frac{W}{2\sin \theta }$

Conclusion:

Thus, the tension in the wire decrease with increase in the angle between the wire, so the painting should be hanged like the bottom image of the figure (b).