Ascaffold of mass 64 kg and length 6.3 m is supported in a horizontal position by a vertical cable at each end. a window washer of mass 85 kg stands at a point 2.0 m from one end. what is the tension in (a) the nearer (relative to the person) cable and (b) the farther (relative to the person) cable?

tension far end 883.055714 N

tension closer 578.634286 N

Explanation:

Given data

scaffold mass m1  = 64 kg

scaffold length L1 = 6.3 m

window washer mass m2 = 85 kg

distance L2 = 2 m

to find out

tension near cable and farther cable

solution

torques at the end farthest

(m1  × g × L1 ) / 2  + (m2  × g × L1- L2 )  = T × L1

T × 6.3 = (64  × 9.81 × 6.3 ) / 2  + (85  × 9.81 × 4.3 )

T = 5563.251 / 6.3

tension = 883.055714 N

and

torques at the other end,

(m1  × g × L1 ) / 2  + (m2  × g × L2 )  = T × L1

T × 6.3 = (64  × 9.81 × 6.3 ) / 2  + (85  × 9.81 × 2 )

T = 3645.396 / 6.3

tension = 578.634286 N