A different scaffold that weighs 500N supports two painters, one 500 N and the other 500N . The reading in the left scale is 900N . what is the reading in the right hand scale
To find the reading in the right-hand scale, we need to use the concept of equilibrium. In a state of equilibrium, the sum of all the forces acting on an object is zero.
In this scenario, we have a scaffold that weighs 500N, two painters weighing 500N each, and a reading of 900N on the left scale. Since the scaffold and painters are at rest, the sum of the forces acting on them must be zero.
Let's consider the forces acting on the scaffold. The scaffold's weight of 500N acts downward, and the reading of 900N on the left scale acts upward. Therefore, the net force on the scaffold is the difference between these two forces, which is:
Net force on scaffold = 900N - 500N = 400N upward
Since the scaffold is at rest, the forces acting on each side should cancel each other out. This means that the net force on the right-hand scale should offset the net force on the left scale.
We know that the net force on the left scale is 400N upward. Therefore, the net force on the right-hand scale should be 400N downward to maintain equilibrium:
Net force on right-hand scale = -400N
Hence, the reading on the right-hand scale is 400N downward.