Burl and Paul paint signs together on a scaffold. Compared to their weights plus the weight of the scaffold, the sum of tensions in the supporting ropes is
A)less.
B)the same.
C)greater.
D)zero.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Newton's third law of motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In this case, the gravitational force acting downwards on Burl, Paul, and the scaffold is balanced by the tension in the supporting ropes acting upwards. Therefore, the sum of tensions in the supporting ropes is the same as the weight of Burl, Paul, and the scaffold.

Burl and Paul Paint Signs Together on a Scaffold