the fig above shows three different ways of hanging a heavy picture from a hook. the tension in the string will be?

the fig above shows three different ways of hanging a heavy picture from a hook. the tension in the string will be?

A.

Greatest in X

B.

Greatest in Y

C.

Greatest in Z

D.

Same in each one

Correct answer is B

Gravity is always directed in a vertical fashion at X (i.e. 90 degrees which is where tension will be minimum). 

 The more horizontally aligned the cable is, the more it will pull horizontally. This increased horizontal pull will increase the tension in the cable.