Calculating Torque: Window Washer Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the tension in a rope supporting a scaffold with a window washer standing on it. The scaffold weighs 185 N and is 3.47 m long, while the window washer weighs 747 N and stands 1 m from one end. The correct approach involves setting the sum of torques to zero, taking into account the positions of the weights and the tension in the rope. The initial calculation of 681.27 N for the tension is incorrect, as it does not properly account for the direction of the torques acting on the scaffold.

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Homework Statement


A window washer is standing on a scaffold supported by a vertical rope at each end. The scaffold weighs 185 N and is 3.47 m long. What is the tension in the rope nearest the 747 N window washer when he stands 1 m from one end?


Homework Equations



sum of torques = zero
acceleration of gravity equals 9.8 m/s2

The Attempt at a Solution



I thought it was a simple problem but I get the answer wrong. My answer is 681.27 N. Is that right? If not how do i get the right answer??:eek:
 
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The first thing you need to do is to find an appropriate axis and put down all the torque effecting that point both clockwise and counterclockwise. Remember that the scaffold exerts its from the center of its mass.
 
I thought I did that. Is this the right set up?
0+185N(sin-90)(-1.735m) + 747N(sin-90)(-2.735)-3.47T=0
 
kitty9035 said:
I thought I did that. Is this the right set up?
0+185N(sin-90)(-1.735m) + 747N(sin-90)(-2.735)-3.47T=0
Here is your problem. Rewriting what you have written we have;

{\color{red}-}(185\times1.735){\color{red}-}(747\times2.735){\color{red}-}(3.47\times T)=0

This would mean that all the torques would tend to rotate the scaffold in the same direction, is the really what is happening?
 

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