Halliday, Resnick & Walker — Equilibrium and Elasticity: Problem Problem_18

In Fig. 12.21, horizontal scaffold 2, with uniform mass \(m_2 = 30.0 \text{ kg}\) and length \(L_2 = 2.00 \text{ m}\), hangs from horizontal scaffold 1, with uniform mass \(m_1 = 50.0 \text{ kg}\). A \(20.0 \text{ kg}\) box of nails lies on scaffold 2, centered at distance \(d = 0.500 \text{ m}\) from the left end. What is the tension \(T\) in the cable indicated?