The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to equilibrium involving a plank and a weight, as referenced from the Feynman lectures. Participants are examining the forces acting on the system, particularly in relation to a pulley setup and the associated free body diagrams.
The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on how to properly draw and label free body diagrams. There is a recognition of the need for clarity in understanding the forces at play, but no explicit consensus has been reached regarding the solution to the problem.
Some participants mention the challenge of understanding the material from the Feynman lectures, suggesting that additional resources may be beneficial. There is also a note that one participant is in middle school, which may influence their grasp of the concepts being discussed.
You show forces on two bodies that in principle can move in relation to each other, the plank and the weight. Each FBD should only show one body and the forces on it.new90 said: