How to find the forces and balance a lever with a weight on one end?

In summary, the problem involves finding the forces F1 and F2 in a lever system that is to be balanced. The lever weighs 20N and there is a need to determine the forces at two different positions. The attempt at a solution suggests that the left side of the beam has a force of 7.5N and the right side has a force of 12.5N. However, it is unclear if there is another force (U) at the pivot point that needs to be considered. Without this additional information, it is not possible to fully solve the problem.
  • #1
bmk120
2
0
Just getting back into physics in college and am stuck on this problem. I don't even remember how to start it let alone finish it. Help would be appretiated.
Need to find the forces of each end and the beam is to be balanced.

Homework Statement


Find the forces F1 and F2 that are in the positions shown, then move to the second positions and find F1 and F2 again. Lever weighs 20N

Figures are shown with horrible paint skills, sorry about that.

The Attempt at a Solution


A) (3/8)20N= 7.5N for the left force exerted by the beam
(5/8)20N= 12.5N for the right side of the beam
So far left side= 7.5N and right side= 12.5N
So does that mean F1(applied)=12.5N-7.5N=5N ? and then F2(applied)= 0N

Is it that it or am I missing something obvious
 

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  • #2
Nobody has an idea or is the drawing that bad
 
  • #3
Welcome to Physics Forums.

This problem is confusing in the way it is being asked. Besides the forces F1 and F2, there must also be an upward force (call it U) exerted on the beam at the pivot point. So that is 3 unknown quantities in the problem.

But we can only write 2 equations to describe the lever being balanced: (1) the forces' (vector) sum is zero, and (2) the torques sum to zero.

It seems there is another piece of information needed to solve this, or I do not understand the description correctly. Does the problem statement say anything else about the forces F1 and F2?
 

1. How do you calculate the total force on a balancing beam?

The total force on a balancing beam is calculated by adding together all of the individual forces acting on the beam. This includes the weight of the beam itself, any additional weights placed on the beam, and any forces acting on the beam from external sources.

2. What is the significance of the center of mass in balancing beam forces?

The center of mass is the point at which the entire weight of an object can be considered to act. In the case of a balancing beam, the center of mass must be directly above the point of support in order for the beam to remain balanced. Any deviation from this position will result in a net force and cause the beam to tip.

3. How does the length of a balancing beam affect the forces acting on it?

The length of a balancing beam affects the distribution of weight and therefore the forces acting on it. A longer beam will have a greater moment arm and therefore require a smaller force to balance it, while a shorter beam will require a larger force. Additionally, the weight of the beam itself will also increase with length, adding to the total force.

4. What are the main factors that influence the stability of a balancing beam?

The main factors that influence the stability of a balancing beam are the weight distribution, the length of the beam, and the position of the center of mass. A well-balanced beam will have a symmetrical weight distribution and a center of mass directly above the point of support.

5. How can you adjust the forces acting on a balancing beam to achieve balance?

To achieve balance on a balancing beam, you can adjust the weight distribution by adding or removing weights from different points on the beam. Additionally, you can also adjust the position of the center of mass by moving weights to different locations. It is important to make small adjustments and test the balance frequently to achieve the desired result.

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