Calculating the Weight of a Scaffold in Mechanical Equilibrium

What is the weight of the scaffold?

To determine the weight of the scaffold in this scenario, we need to analyze the forces acting on it. The scaffold is in mechanical equilibrium when the forces acting on it are balanced. This means that the sum of all the forces acting on the scaffold must be zero, ensuring that the scaffold does not move.

Forces Acting on the Scaffold:

There are two painters on the scaffold, one exerting a force of 500N on the left side and the other exerting a force of 400N on the right side. These two forces create an unbalanced force that must be countered by the weight of the scaffold.

Calculating the Weight:

In order to balance the forces, the scaffold must weigh more than the combined weight of the painters (900N). The reading on the left side support scale is 800N and on the right side support scale is 500N. This indicates that there is an unbalanced force of 300N to the left created by the painters.

To balance this force, the scaffold must weigh 300N to the right. Therefore, the weight of the scaffold is 300N. This weight, combined with the forces of the painters, ensures that the scaffold remains in mechanical equilibrium.