Find Tension and mass of painting equipment on scuffle board.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the tension in cables supporting a scaffold and determining the mass of painting equipment based on given parameters. It involves theoretical reasoning and mathematical modeling related to forces and torques in a static equilibrium scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the problem setup, including the weights of the scaffold and painter, and the relationship between the tensions in the cables.
  • Another participant formulates equations based on the balance of forces and torques, indicating that the tension in the left cable is twice that in the right cable.
  • There is a question regarding the necessity of including the weight of the scaffold when calculating torques about the left end.
  • Participants discuss the calculation of the torque lengths, specifically how to determine the distance for the mass of the painting equipment.
  • One participant confirms the length for the torque of the mass of the painting equipment as 4.2 m based on the provided dimensions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the inclusion of the scaffold's weight in torque calculations and how to accurately determine the lengths for torque. There is no consensus on these points, and multiple approaches are suggested.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the assumptions regarding the pivot point for torque calculations and the implications of including or excluding certain weights in their equations.

cbarker1
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A uniform 41.0 kg scaffold of length 5.8 m is supported by two light cables, as shown below. A 78.0 kg painter stands 1.0 m from the left end of the scaffold, and his painting equipment is 1.6 m from the right end. If the tension in the left cable is twice that in the right cable, find the tensions in the cables (in N) and the mass of the equipment in kgs.

View attachment 7617

Works
Givens:

The mass of the scaffold=41.0 kg
Length of the scaffold=5.8 m
the mass of the painter= 78 kg
The length between left end and the painter= 1 m
The length between painting equipment and painter= 1.6 m
The Tension of the Left= twice in the right cable.
the mass of the painting equipment=?

$\Sigma F_y=0$
$-m_b*g-m_p*g-m_s*g+T_L+T_R=0$
$\Sigma\tau=0$
$-m_p*g*L_1-m_b*g*L_2+T_R*L_3+(m_s*g*(L1+L2)/2)(?)=0$

If I place the pivot for the torque on left end of the scaffold, then would the weight of the scaffold be not needed?

View attachment 7616
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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$T$ = tension in the right cable
$P$ = mass of paint equipment

forces up = forces down

$2T + T = 78g + 41g + Pg$

about the left end, torques CW = torque CCW (yes, the scaffold weight exerts a torque)

$78g \cdot 1.0 + 41g \cdot 2.9 + Pg \cdot 4.2 = T \cdot 5.8$

solve the system of equations for $T$ and $P$
 
skeeter said:
$T$ = tension in the right cable
$P$ = mass of paint equipment

forces up = forces down

$2T + T = 78g + 41g + Pg$

about the left end, torques CW = torque CCW (yes, the scaffold weight exerts a torque)

$78g \cdot 1.0 + 41g \cdot 2.9 + Pg \cdot 4.2 = T \cdot 5.8$

solve the system of equations for $T$ and $P$

how to get the length for the torque of mass of the painting?
 
Cbarker1 said:
how to get the length for the torque of mass of the painting?

5.8 - 1.6 = 4.2
 

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