An 800-N billboard worker stands on a 4.0-m scaffold supported by vertical ropes at each end. If the scaffold weighs 500 N and the worker stands 1.0 m from one end, what is the tension in the rope farthest from the worker?
A) 450 N
B) 500 N
C) 800 N
D) 850 N

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tension in the rope farthest from the worker is 450 N. This is because the worker and the scaffold are in equilibrium, so the sum of the forces acting on them must be zero. The forces acting on the worker are the force of gravity (800 N) and the tension in the rope closest to the worker. The forces acting on the scaffold are the tension in the rope farthest from the worker and the weight of the scaffold (500 N). Since the worker and the scaffold are in equilibrium, the sum of the forces acting on the worker must be equal to the sum of the forces acting on the scaffold. This means that the tension in the rope farthest from the worker must be 450 N.

An 800-N Billboard Worker Stands on a 4