Part 5

As we know the acceleration on P is 0, we have on P and T0 is the tension

on each of the two branches:

ay m = Fnet y
0m = −M g + 2(sin θ)T0

As T0 = mg because the system is in equilibrium, we have:

0 = −M g + 2(sin θ)T0
= −M g + 2(sin θ)mg
M g = 2(sin θ)mg
Mg M
= = (sin θ)
2mg 2m

L tan θ
Using 1 + cot2 θ = csc2 θ and 2 = D from part 4, we get:

22 m2 1
=1+
M2 tan2 θ

4m2 1
−1=
M2 tan2 θ

4m2 M2 1
− 2 =
M 2 M tan2 θ

M2
tan2 θ =
4m2 − M 2

r
M2
tan θ =
4m2 − M 2

L tan θ
Using 2 = D, we get
q
M2
L 4m2 −M 2
D= 2 .

1
Part 6
From the boxed equation in part 5, we have M 2 < 4m2 . As m, M > 0, we have
√ √
M 2 < 4m2
M < 2m.

If M > 2m, then the system could not be in equilibrium, as our equation was
derived from the assumption that the system was in such a state. The object
B will fall indefinitely. (Or at least until it hits the ground) This is because the
masses on the sides would not be able to hold up the central mass.

*Notes: I found the inequality, as the interior of a radical cannot be nega-

tive, and as M 2 ≥ 0 the denominator must also be positive. I came up with the
trigonometric formula above as follows:

sin2 θ + cos2 θ = 1

sin2 θ + cos2 θ 1
2 =
sin θ sin2 θ

sin2 θ cos2 θ 1
+ =
sin2 θ sin2 θ sin2 θ

1 + cot2 θ = csc2 θ.