A rigid hoop can rotate about the center. Two massless strings are attached to the hoop, one at , the other at . These strings are tied together at the center of the hoop at , and a weight is suspended from that point. The strings have a fixed length, regardless of the tension, and the weight is only supported by the strings. Originally is horizontal.
Now, the outer hoop will start to slowly rotate clockwise until will become vertical, while keeping the angle between the strings constant and keeping the object static. Which of the following statements about the tensions and in the two strings is correct?
Note: This problem appeared on the 2012 F = ma exam.