Calculate Normal Force Exerted on Hands During Push-Ups

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the normal force exerted on each hand during push-ups, the weight of the person (601N) and the distances from the center of gravity to the feet (L1 = 0.859m) and hands (L2 = 0.353m) must be considered. The discussion emphasizes using torque to analyze the forces, suggesting that the sum of torques around the pivot point (the feet) should equal zero for the person to remain stationary. Participants highlight the need for an additional equation to solve for the force exerted by the hands, indicating that the approach requires careful consideration of distances and forces involved. The conversation reflects a collaborative effort to understand the mechanics of push-ups through physics principles. Ultimately, applying torque concepts is deemed essential for solving the problem accurately.
SnowOwl18
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Not quite sure what to do about this one:

-----A person whose weight is W = 601N is doing push-ups. Assume L1 = 0.859m and L2 = 0.353m. Calculate the normal force exerted by the floor on each hand, assuming that the person holds this position. ------

I can't get the picture on here, but basically it shows a person in the postion of a push up. L1 is from his feet to the center of gravity (in his stomach in the picture). L2 is from the center of gravity to his hands. I know the equation for center of gravity is Xcg = W1X1 + W2X2 +... / W1 + W2 +...
I'm not really sure what to do with this. I thought maybe I would calculate for the center of gravity and just multiply by gravity to get the normal force...? Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks :)
 
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Do you know about torques? Consider the torque done by gravity about the pivot point (your feet) and compare to how much torque at the hands you must do to counteract this.
 
hmmm...i do know about torque...that it equals the product of the force and the lever arm...but i didn't consider using it for this problem...hmmm
 
It's definitely the way to go. The sum of the two torques must be 0 if he's not moving around the pivot.
 
So the sum of the two torques is 0... so Fd + Fd = 0...(601)(0.859) + (601)(0.353) =0...i need another equation to put on the other side to solve for the force...so Fd=0...i'm looking for force...but i need a distance...i thought i could use 0.353...but i just tried this and i got the wrong answer. hmmm
 
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