Static Equilibrium

Question

Please help to answer the following question -

A window washer is standing on a scaffold supported by a vertical rope at each end. The scaffold weighs 300 N and is 4.50 m long. What is the tension in each rope when the 600-N worker stands 1.30 m from one end?

Make use of the situations in this scenario and tell us a story of your own that involves a similar type of static equilibrium. You may use approximate values to solve the problem that you come up with.

Answer 1

Because the scaffold is in static equilibrium the forces and moments must be balanced.

The sum of vertical forces are zero:

T₁ + T₂ - 300 - 600 = 0

T₁ + T₂ = 900

The sum of moments about point B is also zero (use clockwise as positive).

(T₁)(4.5)-300(2.25)-600(1.3) = 0

4,5T₁=1455

T₁ = 323,3N

T₂ = 900 - 323.3

T₂ = 576.7N