How far to the right can a person walk before the plank will

  • Thread starter QaH
  • Start date
In summary, a person standing 0.1 meters to the right of the right support on a uniform plank 6.1 m long with a gravitational force of 130 N on the plank and 814 N on the person can walk up to 3m to the right before the plank begins to tip.
  • #1
QaH
6
0

Homework Statement


A uniform plank 6.1 m long rests on two supports, 2.5 m apart (see figure below). The gravitational force on the plank is 130 N. The left end of the plank is 1.5 m to the left of the left support, so the plank is not centered on the supports. A person is standing on the plank one tenth of a meter to the right of the right support. The gravitational force on this person is 814 N. How far to the right can the person walk before the plank begins to tip?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



The center of mass, since the plank is uniform, is 6.1m/2=3.05m
This means that the center of mass is 4m-3.05m=0.95m from the right support.
Our person is standing 0.1 meters to the right of the right support.
0.95m(130N)=(0.1m+x)814N
solving for x I got
[0.95m(130N)/814N]-0.1m=x
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Where did the 3m come from?
It would help if you explain what you did.
 
  • #3
I changed what I did a bit in the description.
 
  • #4
QaH said:
[0.95m(130N)/814N]-0.1m=x
Looks right.
 

1. How is "far to the right" measured?

The distance to the right is typically measured in terms of steps or meters, depending on the length of the plank and the size of the person walking on it.

2. Is there a maximum distance a person can walk to the right on a plank?

Yes, there is a maximum distance a person can walk to the right on a plank. This distance is determined by the length of the plank and the balance and stability of the person walking on it.

3. Can a person walk infinitely to the right on a plank?

No, a person cannot walk infinitely to the right on a plank. Even if the plank is long enough, the person's balance and stability will eventually reach a limit and they will not be able to continue walking without falling off.

4. How does the width of the plank affect how far a person can walk to the right?

The width of the plank can affect how far a person can walk to the right. A wider plank can provide more stability and allow the person to walk further to the right, while a narrower plank may be more difficult to balance on and limit the distance a person can walk.

5. Are there any safety precautions to consider when determining how far a person can walk to the right on a plank?

Yes, there are safety precautions to consider when determining how far a person can walk to the right on a plank. It is important to ensure the plank is stable and secure, the person walking on it is wearing appropriate footwear, and that there is supervision or assistance available if needed.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
790
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
13K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
4K
Back
Top