Vertical force equilibrium in symmetric hanging

Steps:

• Weight W equals sum of vertical tension components: 2 T cos θ = W.
• Thus, T = W / (2 cos θ).
• Fixed X-Y separation means horizontal projection d = (L/2) sin θ is constant.
• Increasing cord length L decreases θ, increasing cos θ and decreasing T.

Why A is correct:

• Longer cord reduces θ (less sag angle), raising cos θ in T = W / (2 cos θ) and lowering tension.

Why the others are wrong:

• B: Wider X-Y increases θ (steeper angle), lowering cos θ and raising tension.
• C: Incomplete statement provides no valid scenario reducing tension.
• D: Weight equals 2 T cos θ, not T cos θ (ignores both sides).

Final answer: A