If two ropes pull a stubborn stump with forces of 200N each, ranked by angle from smallest to largest, which configuration applies?

When analyzing the configuration of forces acting on the stump, it is essential to consider the angles at which the ropes are applied. If both ropes exert a force of 200 N but at different angles, the resultant force depends significantly on these angles.

In choice B, the configuration indicates that angle A is less than angle C, and angle C is less than angle B. This means that the rope pulling at angle A contributes to a higher resultant force compared to the others because the components of force that act in the direction of the stump's displacement are maximized when the angle is minimized. Essentially, the steeper the angle (when comparing equal force magnitudes), the less that rope effectively contributes towards moving the stump.

Thus, by ranking the angles in ascending order, we recognize that angle A has the smallest angle and thereby has the greatest effectiveness in contributing to the resultant force acting to pull the stump forward. As we progress to angle B, it has the largest angle, representing the least advantageous position for generating the pulling effect, while C fits somewhere in between, adding moderate effectiveness.

Therefore, the configuration of angles A, C, and B aligns with the expected outcomes based on the principles of vector resolution in a two-dimensional scenario.