Chapter 2, Problem 45A

The sketch shows a painter’s staging in mechanical equilibrium. The person in the middle weighs 250 N, and the tensions in both ropes are 200 N. What is the weight of the staging?

To determine

Weight of staging.

Answer to Problem 45A

Weight of staging, $W=150\text{N}$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The given figure is,

Staging is in mechanical equilibrium.

Formula Used:

For mechanical equilibrium, summation of all forces is zero, that is

  $\sum F=0$

Calculation:

Since, the staging is in mechanical equilibrium so, $\sum F=0$ or

Upward force = Downward force

So,

  $\begin{array}{l}T+T=F_g+W\\ \Rightarrow 200+200=250+W\\ \Rightarrow W=400-250=150\text{N}\end{array}$

Conclusion:

Therefore, the weight of the staging is $W=150\text{N}$