How Do You Calculate the Mass of a Student on a Plank Using Scale Readings?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the mass of a student on a plank using scale readings, the normal forces from the scales must balance the gravitational force acting on the student and the plank. Given the left scale reads 250 N and the right scale reads 106 N, the total weight is the sum of these readings, which equals 356 N. The student's mass can then be found by dividing this total weight by the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²). The distribution of weight between the scales is influenced by the position of the student's center of mass, which affects how much force each scale measures. Understanding the moments and equilibrium conditions is essential for accurately determining the student's mass.
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To determine the location of his center of mass, a physics student lies on a lightweight plank supported by two scales L = 3.90 m apart.
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If the left scale reads 250 N, and the right scale reads 106 N, find the student's mass.
Since the student is at rest, I know the scales read normal force = mg, and I found the center of mass to be 1.161 m. I found the masses from the two scales, but do I just add them together as the student's mass because subtracting the two masses and just using the left scale's mass aren't correct. Any hints are appreciated.
 
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Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.
 
The mass of the student and lightweight board provide a downward force as a result of gravity. The scales support that force in equilibrium, so the force (indicated by weight) upward must balance the force downward.

To the sum of the scales is the gives indicates the total weight, from which one calculates total mass.

How the weight is distributed between the scales is determined by where the CM lies between the two scales. The closer a scale is to the the CM, the more weight it would bear. This distribution of weight can be found by using the moments, which one has presumably done.
 
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