Question

A body of weight \[{w_1}\] is suspended from the ceiling of a room through a chain of weight \[{w_2}\]. The ceiling, pulls the chain by a force
A.\[{w_1}\]
B.\[{w_2}\]
C.\[{w_1} + {w_2}\]
D.\[\dfrac{{{w_1} + {w_2}}}{2}\]

Answer 1

Hint: A force is defined as a push, a pull, a stretch or a squeeze acting on a body which is capable of changing the state of rest or of motion of an object. It has both magnitude and direction and is represented by Newton.

Complete step by step solution:
Given that a body of weight \[{w_1}\] is suspended from a chain. Also, the chain from which the weight is suspended, is itself suspended to the ceiling and has weight\[{w_2}\]. Since the entire system is in equilibrium, therefore, the total weight of the chain and the body will be \[{w_1} + {w_2}\].

If the system is in equilibrium, that means it is said to be at rest. Now according to Newton’s third law, to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. There will also be a normal force acting on the system so that there should be an equilibrium. Since, the system is at rest, so the action and reaction forces will be equal. Therefore, the force with which the ceiling is pulling the chain and the weight will be equal to the collective weight of the chain and the body that is \[{w_1} + {w_2}\].

Hence, Option C is the correct option.

Note: It is to be noted that a force can not only change the state of rest or motion of a body, but can also change the direction and shape of the object on which it is applied. Also, weight is a type of force with which the force of gravity attracts any object towards itself.