Kaplan 10th Edition DT Q48

Kaplan's Book

48) This problem asks us to find the tension in each rope between the horse and the railroad car. The diagram shows us that the net force acting on the object is in the x-direction. This means the y-components of the forces have the same magnitude in opposite directions. This tells us that both horses are pulling with the same force; thus, both ropes have the same tension.

Where T is the tension force, and F[Net] is the net force

Next, I would sum all the forces in the x-direction.

Where T is the tension force, and F[Net] is the net force

Finally, we need to substitute the values we know and solve for tension(T).

Where T is the tension force, and F[Net] is the net force

Answer: C