A staging that weighs Wstaging supports a
painter weighing 170 N. The reading on the
left scale is 490 N and the reading on the right
scale is 220 N.
490 N 220 N
What is the weight of the staging?
Answer in units of N
To find the weight of the staging, we need to consider the equilibrium of forces acting on it.
First, we need to understand that weight is a force that is equal to the mass of an object multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity. In this case, the weight of the painter is given as 170 N.
Using Newton's third law, we know that the sum of all the vertical forces acting on the staging must be equal to the weight of the painter.
Let's break down the forces acting on the staging:
1. Weight of the staging (Wstaging): This is the force we need to find.
2. Reading on the left scale (490 N): This measures the force pushing downwards on the staging.
3. Reading on the right scale (220 N): This measures the force pushing upwards on the staging.
To find the weight of the staging, we subtract the weight of the painter from the sum of the forces on the staging:
Wstaging = (reading on the left scale) - (reading on the right scale) - (weight of the painter)
Wstaging = 490 N - 220 N - 170 N
Wstaging = 100 N
So, the weight of the staging is 100 N.