Question

Two strings each inclined at an angle of 30 to the horizontal are used to lift a bucket of water weighing 20N. Calculate the tension in each string.

Answer 1

$$2T\cos(\theta/2)=mg$$

$$T=\frac{mg}{2\cos(\theta/2)}$$

$$=\frac{20\:\rm N}{2\cos(60^{\circ})}=20\:\rm N.$$