Can the spacing of rods affect the weight needed for applied force?

[patehi]

Hey guys, i need you help to find the weightof a mass required to produce the same applied force to rods.
(sorry english is not my first language) i will try to explain this with a diagram.

Homework Statement

First problem:
So let's say i have 10 small rods with a diameter of 2mm and a length of 3cm.
they are positioned next to each other, and stand on the ground. Then i have a weight that is applying force to those 10 rods alltogether. SO my question is, how much is the weight of the mass that i need, to make sure that every rods will be applied 50g(0,49N) each.

known values:
F(on each rods)= 0.49N or 50g
length of each rod=3cm
diameter or a rod=2mm

Problem 2:
Now its exactly the same as situation 1, but the rods are positioned at a distance from each other, let's say this distance is x=2mm
How much is the weight required for applying each rods the same force of 0.49N?

Homework Equations

g=9,81ms-2
1000g=1kg=9,81N

The Attempt at a Solution

Problem 1
For applying each rod 0.49N,
the mass should be= 10rodsx0.49N= 4,9N which is about 500g
i wish it would be that easy, but i think there's got to be something that is not right?

Problem 2
this is actually very confusing, so i can't really know how to go with it, would you guys help me?

Thanks!

 

[barryj]

Seems like problem 1 is correct. Why would spacing the rods make a difference?