A traffic light weighs 214.8 N and is supported by two wires with an angle of 129.4° between them. If the tensions in the wires are equal, what is the tension in each wire?

118.8 N

Explanation:

Weight of the light, W = 214.8 N

Angle between two wires, 2θ = 129.4°

Let t be the tension in each wire. Now the vertical components of tension is balanced by the weight of the light.

2 T Sinθ = W

2 x T x Sin 64.7° = 214.8

1.808 T = 214.8

T = 118.8 N

Thus, the tension in each wire is 118.8 N.