Clockwise or counterclockwise rotation about a fulcrum

  • Thread starter Thread starter invadertak
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Fulcrum Rotation
Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a uniform plank balanced on two supports, with a person walking on the overhanging section. The key equations used include the sum of forces and torques, with the upward forces from the supports and the weights of the plank and person balanced. The confusion arises regarding the direction of torque, specifically whether the torque produced by the left support should be considered negative when calculating the tipping point at the right support. Clarification is sought on the convention of clockwise versus counterclockwise rotation in relation to the fulcrum. Understanding these torque conventions is crucial for solving the problem accurately.
invadertak
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The diagram shows a uniform plank of length 5m and weight 225N that rests horizontally on two supports, with 1.1 m hanging over the right support. To what distance x can a person who weighs 450 N walk on the overhanging part of the plank before it just begins to tip?

l-x-l

\0/
l
/\
_________________
^ ^
l-1.1m-l

Homework Equations


T=Fl
\Sigma T = 0
\Sigma F = 0

The Attempt at a Solution


Take upward direction as positive and clockwise direction of motion as positive
Name the leftmost fulcrum L and the right fulcrum R
Fy = FL + FR - FWplank - FWPerson
Fy = 0
Thus FL + FR - 225N - 450 N = 0
Thus FL = 675N - + FR

This is where I get stuck. My equation kept boiling down to rubbish and when I checked the web for a solution, I found out I need to make the torque produced by Force L a negative number with respect to fulcrum R. However, won't the upward force of L produce a clockwise rotation? The rotation at R caused by force L is the only place that I seem to be messing up as other equations are exactly as the memo indicated. But I have taken clockwise to be positive (as the memo also indicated) and yet the memo says that my torque at L is negative.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sorry-one correction- FL=675N - FR
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
18K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
6K