GATE 2018 CE (CE2) – Question 52
A 25 m cable PQ is supported at equal levels 20 m horizontally apart. A 150 kN point load acts at R, dividing the cable into equal lengths, as shown. Neglect cable self-weight. Its tension, as an integer, is ______ kN.
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Correct answer: 125 to 125
Explanation
Each half is 12.5 m long with 10 m horizontal projection, giving vertical drop $\sqrt{12.5^2-10^2}=7.5$ m. Thus $\sin\theta=7.5/12.5=0.6$. Vertical equilibrium gives $2T(0.6)=150$, hence T = 125 kN.