A picture is to be hung from the ceiling by means of two wires.Order the following arrangements of the wires according to the tension in wire B, from least to greatest.
A)I, II, III
B)III, I, II
C)I and II tie, then III
D)II, I, III
E)all tie

Question

A picture is to be hung from the ceiling by means of two wires.Order the following arrangements of the wires according to the tension in wire B, from least to greatest. 
A)I, II, III 
B)III, I, II 
C)I and II tie, then III 
D)II, I, III 
E)all tie

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tension in wire B is directly related to the weight of the picture, the angle between the wires, and the length of the wires. In arrangement II, both wires are at equal angles to the ceiling, so the tension in wire B will be evenly split between the two wires. In arrangements I and III, the angle of wire B is shallower than the angle of wire A, so more weight will be placed on wire B, leading to greater tension. Therefore, arrangement II will have the least tension in wire B, followed by arrangement I, then arrangement III. Choice D correctly orders the arrangements in this manner.

A Picture Is to Be Hung from the Ceiling by Means