When Nellie’s ropes make an angle, what quantity must be equal and opposite to her weight?
Solution 21EQ Introduction When we have to find out the forces acting on the rope. Solution Nellie is hanging on the rope, hence the weight of the Nellie is acting on the rope, which is downwards. Now since she is not moving, the net downward force on the rope should be zero. Other than, weight, the force acting on the rope is the tension. Hence the total vertical component of the tension should be equal to the weight of Nellie, and the force should be upwards, otherwise there will be a motion in the vertical direction. Hence the vertical component of the tension of the rope should be equal and opposite to the weight of Nellie.