Calculating the Upward Force Necessary to Balance a Plank

Thread starter gtaylor
Start date Aug 18, 2009
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Balance Force

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To keep a uniform plank supported by a hinge at one end level and at rest, the upward force exerted on the other end must counterbalance the plank's weight. The sum of all forces acting on the plank must equal zero, meaning the upward force must equal the downward gravitational force. Additionally, the sum of all torques around the hinge must also equal zero, which requires calculating the torque produced by the weight of the plank and the torque produced by the upward force. The upward force needed can be expressed as a multiple of the plank's weight, determined by the plank's length and the position of the hinge. Understanding these principles of equilibrium is essential for accurately calculating the necessary upward force.

Aug 18, 2009

gtaylor

A uniform plank us supported by a hinge at one end. What is the magnitude (expressed as a multiple of the plank's weight Fg) of the upward force you have to exert on the other end to keep the plank at rest and level?

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Aug 18, 2009

kuruman

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The sum of all the forces must be zero and the sum of all the torques must be zero. Go for it.

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