Calculate Distance of Man Walking on Plank Before Tipping

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To determine how far a person can walk on the overhanging part of a plank before it tips, the torque of the plank must equal the torque of the person. The weight of the plank acts at its center of mass, which is located 2.6 m from the left end, resulting in a distance of 1.5 m from the right support where the pivot point is chosen. The person’s weight creates torque based on their distance from the pivot, which must be calculated to find the maximum distance x. By setting the torques equal, the problem can be solved for x. This approach ensures the plank remains balanced until the tipping point is reached.
ramalik
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A uniform plank of length 5.2 m and weight 213 N rests horizontally on two supports, with 1.1 m of the plank hanging over the right support (see the drawing). To what distance x can a person who weighs 445 N walk on the overhanging part of the plank before it just begins to tip?

I know you have to set the torque of the plank equal to the torque of the man and solve for his lever length. I just don't know how to get the torque of the plank.
 
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ramalik said:
I just don't know how to get the torque of the plank.
Where does the weight of the plank effectively act?
 
the center! so i have to find the difference between the center point and the piece hanging off the side?
 
Yes. Hint: Choose the right support as the pivot point for calculating torques. How far from that point is the center of mass of the plank?
 
2.6-1.1 = 1.5 m. Thanks!
 

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