Calculating Forces on a Window Washer's Scaffold

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To calculate the forces on a window washer's scaffold, the problem involves determining the tension in two ropes supporting a 271.8N window washer and a 265.6N scaffold, which is 4.452m long. The washer stands 1.48m from one end, creating a need for equilibrium equations. A free body diagram is essential to visualize the forces acting on the system and to establish two equations based on the static conditions. The initial attempt at using kinematic equations is incorrect; the focus should be on statics principles to solve for the tensions in the ropes. Properly applying these concepts will yield the correct force values in each rope.
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Homework Statement


a window washer weighing 271.8N is standing on a scaffold by a vertical rope at each end. the scaffold weighs 265.6N and is 4.452m long. what is the force in each rope when the window washer stands 1.48m from one end.

Homework Equations



1/2(m1+1/2 m2)Vf^2

The Attempt at a Solution


1/2 (271.8+ 1/2 265.6N)1.48^2
i know this is wrong. i can't find the correct equation to use.
 
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Do you know anything about statics?
You have two unknowns and you need two equations.
It would probbably help you if you would draw a picture. You need to make a free body diagram first.
 

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