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Burl the painter weighs 600 Newtons. He dangles from one side of the stage. There are two scale readings attached to the two cords holding up the stage. What is the weight measured by the scale on the right?

User Lone Ronin
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2 Answers

3 votes

Final answer:

To find the weight measured by the scale on the right while Burl the painter dangles, it is necessary to assess the equilibrium of forces, considering Burl's weight and the fact that the left cable's tension is twice that of the right. A balance of torques is required for equilibrium, with the torque being the product of weight and distance from the pivot point.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the weight measured by the scale on the right when Burl the painter dangles from one side of the stage, we have to consider the forces in equilibrium on the scaffolding system. Since Burl weighs 600 Newtons and the force on the left cable is twice that of the right, we set up an equilibrium equation accounting for the painter's weight and position.

The forces on the scaffolding system must be in equilibrium since it is stationary, meaning the sum of torques (moments) around any pivot point must be zero. If Burl is located a certain distance from the pivot point, the torque due to his weight will be the product of his weight and distance from the pivot point (Torque = Weight x Distance). Similarly, we'll have torques due to the tensions in the left and right cables. The sum of these torques about a pivot must be zero to maintain equilibrium.

Once the total torques on both sides of the pivot point are equated, we can solve for the tension in the right cable. Burl's weight plays a crucial role in calculating the tensions as it influences the balance of torques. The actual calculation would require specific distances and scaffold lengths, which aren't provided in the scenario described.

User Loenix
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3 votes

Answer:

1. If Burl dangles from the right side, T₂ = 600 N and T₁ = 0.

2. If Burl dangles from the left side, T₂ = 0 and T₁= 600 N.

Step-by-step explanation:

Using the equilibrium rule, sum of all forces equal to zero. We could have here two different cases.

1. If Burl dangles from the right side, T₂ = W and T₁ = 0.

2. If Burl dangles from the left side, T₂ = 0 and T₁= W.

Here:

  • T₁ is the tension force of the left cord (left scale)
  • T₂ is the tension force of the right cord (right scale)
  • W is the weight of Burl

Therefore:

In the first case the weight measured by the scale on the right will be 600 N and in the second case the weight will be 0.

I hope it helps you!

User Ratikanta Patra
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