Static Slope Problem: Find Downward Force at Fulcrum

[dhc107]

Homework Statement

If i have a block that is d distance back from a slope, and I have cable coming out of the block (lets assume at ground level) that goes over to a fulcrum at the ledge of an incline of angle theta down to a block of mass m. What is the downward force at the fulcrum point?
2. Attempt at a solution

I can find the force of the string as m*g*sin(theta)

 

[dhc107]

I can find the force of the string as m*g*sin(theta)

 

[dhc107]

Here is a picture

Here is a schematic

 

[jackwhirl]

I can find the force of the string as m*g*sin(theta)

What are the components of this force?

 

[HalfLostAndSearching]

but I don't know how to find the downward force at the fulcrum.

I would approach this problem by first understanding the physical principles at play. In this case, we are dealing with a static slope problem, which means that the system is in equilibrium and all forces must balance out. The key concept here is torque, which is the force that causes rotational motion. In this case, the fulcrum point is the pivot point where the torque is acting.

To find the downward force at the fulcrum point, we need to consider the forces acting on the system. The block of mass m exerts a downward force due to gravity, which can be calculated as m*g, where g is the acceleration due to gravity. We also have the force of the cable pulling the block up the slope, which we can find using the formula m*g*sin(theta), as mentioned in the attempt at a solution.

Since the system is in equilibrium, the downward force at the fulcrum point must be equal to the sum of these two forces. This can be expressed mathematically as follows:

Fdown = m*g + m*g*sin(theta)

To find the exact value of the downward force at the fulcrum point, we would need to know the values of m, g, and theta. Once we have these values, we can plug them into the equation and solve for Fdown.

In conclusion, to find the downward force at the fulcrum point in this static slope problem, we need to consider the forces acting on the system and use the concept of torque to determine the equilibrium condition. By doing so, we can find a mathematical expression for the downward force at the fulcrum point and solve for its value.