A scaffold of mass 65 kg and length 5.2 m is supported in a horizontal position by a vertical cable at each end. A window washer of mass 80 kg stands at a point 1.5 m from one end. What is the tension in (a) the nearer cable and (b) the farther cable?

Explanation

To solve the problem, we will analyze the forces and torques acting on the scaffold. We will use the principles of static equilibrium, where the sum of forces and the sum of torques acting on the system must equal zero.

### Given Data:
- Mass of the scaffold (m_s) = 65 kg
- Length of the scaffold (L) = 5.2 m
- Mass of the window washer (m_w) = 80 kg
- Distance of the window washer from one end (d_w) = 1.5 m
- Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 10 m/s² (for simplicity)
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