A staging that weighs 210 N supports two
painters, one 310 N and the other 440 N. The reading in the left scale is Fℓ = 320 N. What is the reading Fr in the right hand
scale?
Answer in units of N
To find the reading Fr in the right hand scale, we can use the principle of equilibrium. In equilibrium, the sum of the forces acting on an object should be zero.
In this case, the total weight supported by the staging is the sum of the weights of the painters:
Total weight = weight of the first painter + weight of the second painter
Total weight = 310 N + 440 N = 750 N
Since the staging is in equilibrium, the total weight must be balanced by the upward force exerted by the left scale (Fℓ) and the right scale (Fr):
Total weight = Fℓ + Fr
750 N = 320 N + Fr
Now, we can solve for Fr:
Fr = 750 N - 320 N
Fr = 430 N
Therefore, the reading in the right hand scale (Fr) is 430 N.