Boxes, cables, and girders (torque and equilibirum problem)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a torque and equilibrium problem involving a 75 kg box placed on a 10 m long steel beam weighing 150 kg, supported by a steel cable at a 60-degree angle. The tension in the cable has been calculated to be 14,321.475 N. To solve for the force exerted by the wall on the beam, participants emphasize the importance of applying the principle that the sum of moments about the wall attachment point must equal zero. Further calculations and attempts are encouraged to clarify the solution process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of torque calculations, specifically Torque = Radius x Force
  • Knowledge of equilibrium principles in static systems
  • Familiarity with forces acting on beams and tension in cables
  • Basic physics concepts related to mass and gravity (Weight = Mass x Gravity)
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the sum of moments about the wall attachment point for the given system
  • Explore the effects of varying the angle of the cable on the tension and equilibrium
  • Investigate the role of beam length in torque calculations and stability
  • Review static equilibrium problems involving multiple forces and moments
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and static equilibrium, as well as educators seeking to enhance their understanding of torque and force analysis in beam systems.

SageOwl
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Usually I'm pretty good with torque and such but this one had me.
A box of mass 75 kg is put on a 10-m long steel beam of mass 150 kg and is connected to the wall and supported by a steel cable. The box is located 2.5 m from the wall and the cable makes 60o angle with the beam. What are the magnitude and the direction of the force exerted by the wall on the beam?

Homework Equations


Torque=Radius x Force, upwards/clockwise torque=downwards/counterclockwise torque, weight=mass x gravity

The Attempt at a Solution


I was able to find the tension in the cable, if that helps (14321.475N), but otherwise I'm clueless.
 
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Kind of odd using a 10 m long beam to support a box only 2.5 m away from the wall. Or have I misunderstood?

The usual approach is to write that the sum of the moments about a point (in this case the point where the beam attaches to the wall) is zero. I can't go much further until you give it a try and show your work here.
 

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