- #1
Puchinita5
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Homework Statement
In Figure 12-36, horizontal scaffold 2, with uniform mass m2 = 35 kg and length L2 = 2.0 m, hangs from horizontal scaffold 1, with uniform mass m1 = 45 kg. A 17 kg box of nails lies on scaffold 2, centered at distance d = 0.50 m from the left end.
What is the tension T in the cable indicated?
Homework Equations
http://edugen.wiley.com/edugen/courses/crs1650/art/qb/qu/c12/q05f.jpg
The Attempt at a Solution
do i have to set the forces equal to zero for the WHOLE system? or the bottom system first? do I have to do anything with rotational? I think what is confusing me is how the tensions act in the system, specifically the tensions in the rods between the two scaffolds. I know there should be a tension force uppard in reaction to the weight of the bottom scaffold, so would the forces of the top scaffold include these tension forces? I'm confused. This is supposed to be a simple problem, perhaps I'm over thinking it.