Question

learning: newtons first law of motion - inertia
question
if a painter is on a horizontal scaffold that is supported by four vertical ropes, the tensions in the ropes ________.
answer

• add to equal the weight of the painter plus the weight of the scaffold
• cancel to zero
• are each equal to half the weight of the painter plus the weight of the scaffold
• are each equal to the weight of the painter plus the weight of the scaffold
• i dont know yet

Explanation:

This is a static equilibrium problem. For the scaffold and painter to remain stationary, the sum of the upward tension forces from the four ropes must balance the total downward force, which is the combined weight of the painter and the scaffold. Tensions do not cancel to zero (they act upward against downward weight), and each rope does not bear the full total weight or half the total weight (since there are 4 ropes, each would bear 1/4 of the total weight if evenly distributed, which is not an option here; the only correct statement about the total tension is that their sum equals the total weight).

Answer:

add to equal the weight of the painter plus the weight of the scaffold