How Do You Calculate Tension in a Hanging Mirror?

[Arabell]

Homework Statement

Diagram 4 shows a 2 kg mirror hung on a wall using strings of the same length . The mirror is in equilibrium state.

a) On Diagram 4 , label the force that act on the mirror .

b) Calculate the tension of the string , T that act on the mirror .

c) Suggest a modification to be made so that the string can withstand a larger maximum force .

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I had only drawn a free body diagram and I am already stuck and don't know what to do... Help me please , any solution to this question would be greatly aprreciated .

 

[FermionXLR8r]

Solution

First we must take the vertical component of the tension forces acting on the mirror. Let the mass of mirror be m
Then
2TSin45=mg
solve for T by substituting the values.
A modification which can be made is connecting the strings parallely

 

[Arabell]

First we must take the vertical component of the tension forces acting on the mirror. Let the mass of mirror be m
Then
2TSin45=mg
solve for T by substituting the values.
A modification which can be made is

Thanks mate for replying ... In the equation , where does 2 come from , does it come from the mirror which is 2 kg since it is an equilibrium state . Another thing is can you explain why connecting the strings parallely enables it to withstand a larger maximum force

 

[haruspex]

where does 2 come from , does it come from the mirror which is 2 kg since it is an equilibrium state . Another thing is can you explain why connecting the strings parallely enables it to withstand a larger maximum force

The 2 is because there are two strings. If the tension is T, each each string is supplying an upwards force of T sin (45) = T/√2. Since that balances the weight of the mirror, what is T?

If the strings were vertical with tension U, what would the equation be?