A block of mass 0.5 kg is suspended at the 40 cm mark of a light metre rule AB that is pivoted at point E, the 90 cm mark, and is kept at equilibrium by a string attached at point D, the 60 cm mark, as shown in the figure above. Find the tension T in the string.

[Take g = \(10 ms-2\) ]

A block of mass 0.5 kg is suspended at the 40 cm mark of a light metre rule AB that is pivoted at point E, the 90 cm mark, and is kept at equilibrium by a string attached at point D, the 60 cm mark, as shown in the figure above. Find the tension T in the string.

[Take g = \(10 ms-2\) ]

A.

16.67N

B.

15.67N

C.

14.67N

D.

18.67N

Correct answer is A

 W = mg = 0.5 x 10 = 5 N

 Since it's light, neglect the weight of the metre rule.

 The effective tension T acting in the vertical direction = T sin 30°

 From the second condition of equilibrium, sum of clockwise moments equal sum of anticlockwise moments

 Taking moment at E 

 ⇒ T sin 30° x 30 = 5 x 50

 ⇒ ∴T=250

 T = \(\frac{250}{15}\) = 16.67N