Simple Nature - Light and Matter

83 Problem 79 discussed a possible correct way of setting upa redundant anchor for mountaineering. The figure for this problemshows an incorrect way of doing it, by arranging the rope ina triangle (which we’ll take to be isoceles). One of the bad thingsabout the triangular arrangement is that it requires more force fromthe anchors, making them more likely to fail. (a) Using the same√notation as in problem 79, find S in terms of L and θ.(b) Verify that your answer makes sense in the case of θ = 0, andcompare with the correct setup.84 At a picnic, someone hands you a can of beer. The ground isuneven, and you don’t want to spill your drink. You reason that itwill be more stable if you drink some of it first in order to lower itscenter of mass. How much should you drink in order to make thecenter of mass as low as possible? [Based on a problem by Waltervan B. Roberts and Martin Gardner.]Problem 83.Key to symbols:easy typical challenging difficult very difficult√An answer check is available at www.lightandmatter.com.Problems 237