delecticious
Oct24-07, 01:29 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A massless beam is suspended between two scales that are separated by 6.40 m as shown in the diagram below. The scales measure a force in newtons. Three masses are hanging from the beam: Mass X = 17.7 kg is D1 = 2.11 m from scale A, mass Y = 23.0 kg is D3 = 0.96 m from scale B (hence D2 = 3.33 m), and mass Z = 7.59 kg is hanging directly under scale B. [Use g = 9.81 m/s2.]
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/kakoishii/prob23a.gif
2. Relevant equations
3. The attempt at a solution
My main issue with this problem is I'm having trouble visualizing how these scales work, and since I can't visualize I can't even fathom how to approach it. Maybe it's the way the drawing is drawn but I'm not seeing how the three boxes could be weighed by scales above them, how is that even possible? Am I missing something or am I just looking at this entire picture wrong. Can anyone help me see how these scales are supposed to function?
A massless beam is suspended between two scales that are separated by 6.40 m as shown in the diagram below. The scales measure a force in newtons. Three masses are hanging from the beam: Mass X = 17.7 kg is D1 = 2.11 m from scale A, mass Y = 23.0 kg is D3 = 0.96 m from scale B (hence D2 = 3.33 m), and mass Z = 7.59 kg is hanging directly under scale B. [Use g = 9.81 m/s2.]
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/kakoishii/prob23a.gif
2. Relevant equations
3. The attempt at a solution
My main issue with this problem is I'm having trouble visualizing how these scales work, and since I can't visualize I can't even fathom how to approach it. Maybe it's the way the drawing is drawn but I'm not seeing how the three boxes could be weighed by scales above them, how is that even possible? Am I missing something or am I just looking at this entire picture wrong. Can anyone help me see how these scales are supposed to function?