Free-Body Diagram of Bull

A good place to start for all statics problems is a free-body diagram (FBD). However, in this problem, because there are numerous objects, it can be confusing which object (or objects) to use in a FBD. Since the bull seems to be central to the problem, it would be a good place to start (note, there is no "wrong" place to start). The FBD of the bull is shown at the left. Summing forces in the y-direction gives,

     ΣF_y = F_scale + T_CH + T_EG - W_bull = 0

     W_bull = 980 lb + T_CH + T_EG

The rope tensions T_CH and T_EG must be equal since it is assumed that the sling holding the bull is symmetrical. This gives,

     W_bull = 980 lb + 2T_CH                              (1)

However, you will notice that there are still two unknowns, T_ch and W_bull. More information is needed.

The next logical object to examine is pulley C since it is connected to the bull. Its FBD is shown at the left along with the rope connected to the counterweight. Summing forces on pulley C gives,

     ΣF_y = T_BC + T_DC - T_CH = 0

The rope must have the same tension since the pulleys are assumed mass-less,

     T_BC = T_DC = F = 75 lb

The rope tension T_CH can be calculated as,

     T_CH = 150 lb

Substitute T_EG and T_CH into Eq. 1 to find the weight of the bull,

     W_bull = 1280 lb

In part a), the bull's weight was found. Now, the problem is reversed, the bull weight is known, 1,368 lb, and the counterweight needs to be determined to make the scale register 1000 lb.

This time it is easier to start with the bull and work though the pulleys to find the counterweight. The FBD for the bull is shown at the left.

Summing forces in the y-direction gives the tension in the ropes T_EG and T_CH,

     ΣF_y = F_scale + T_CH + T_EG - W_bull = 0

     T_CH + T_EG = 368 lb

It can be assumed (as done in part a) that the bull's weight is equally distributed between the two ropes holding the cow. Thus T_CH equals T_EG giving,

     T_CH = T_EG = 368/2 = 184 lb

Pulley C Free-Body Diagram

The next step is to analyze the pulley C since the tension is rope CH is known. The FBD of the pulley is given at the left. Summing forces gives,

     ΣF_y = T_BC + T_DC + T_CH = 0

The tensions T_BC and T_DC are equal,

     T_BC = 184/2 = 92 lb

Since the rope has the same tension as it goes from pulley C to the counterweight,

     F = T_FA = T_AB = T_BC

The magnitude of the counterweight needed to just register 1000 lb on the scale is

     F = 92 lb