Question

Five identical keys are suspended from a balance, which is held horizontally as shown. The two keys on the left are attached to the balance 6 cm from the pivot and the three keys on the right are attached 5 cm from the pivot. What will happen when the person lets go of the balance beam?

Answer 1

Answer:

movement in clockwise direction.

Explanation:

The following parameters or information are given from the question above, they are:

[1]. There are two identical keys, [2]. two out of the five keys are attached to 6cm from the pivot, [3]. three keys out of the five keys on the right are attached 5 cm.

Therefore, considering the moment of force, the two keys on the left = 2 × 6 = 12.

Also, considering the moment of force, the 3 keys on the right = 3 × 5 = 15.

Therefore, we have more weight on the right keys. So, in order to balance the force there must be movement in clockwise direction.