Question

A scaffold of mass 60 kg and length 5.0 m is supported in a horizontal position by a vertical cable at each end.A painter of mass 80 kg stands at a point 1.5 m from one end.
(a)Find the tension in the cable nearer to the painter.
(b)Calculate the tension in the second cable

Answers

(a) Set the moment about the cable support point at the opposite end equal to zero. The scaffold weight force acts as if applied at the center.

3.5*M1*g + 2.5*M2*g - T1*5 = 0

Solve for T1, the tension on the cable nearest the painter. M1 is the painter's mass and M2 is the scaffold mass.

2. T1 + T2 = (M1 + M2) g
(This statement says that the net vertical force is zero).
Solve for T2.

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