Question

A uniform meter ruler is balanced at its midpoint

Answer 1

Answer:

a) i) x = 0.25 m, ii) x = 0.10 m, iii)  x = 0.050 m

b) i)  x = 0.40 m

Explanation:

a) For this exercise we use the rotational equilibrium equation, where we assume that the anticlockwise rotations are positive.

1) L = 2W  

we set our reference system in the center of the bar where the fulcrum is

              ∑τ = 0

              W 0.50 - L x = 0

              x = 0.50 W / L

we substitute the value

              x = 0.50 W / 2W

              x = 0.25 m

ii) L = 5W

we calculate

              x = 0.50 W / 5W

              x = 0.10 m

iii) L = 10 W

               x = 0.50 W / 10W

              x = 0.050 m

b) a new weight is placed at x₂ = 30 cm on the left side

              W 0.50 + W 0.30 - L x = 0

              x = (0.50 + 0.30) W / L

              x = 0.80 W / L

we calculate

i)  L = 2W

                x = 0.80 w / 2w

                x = 0.40 m