A body is suspended from the ceiling with two wires that make an angle of 40° with the ceiling. The weight of the body is 150N. What is the tension in each wire?

The aid of a free-body diagram is essential for solving this mechanics problem. The summation of horizontal and vertical forces in the system must be equal to zero since the body is in equilibrium.

Summation of x-forces:

T*cos (40) - T*cos (40) = 0

y forces:

2T*sin (40) - 150 = 0

T = 150/2*sin (40) = 100.66 N

Therefore, the tension in each wire would be 100.66 Newtons.