Equilibrium of Two Rods: Finding the Point of Toppling

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equilibrium of two rods, specifically focusing on the conditions under which one rod will topple due to the movement of a boy along the length of another rod. The problem involves concepts from mechanics, including forces and torques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the conditions for toppling, questioning the role of normal forces and the choice of pivot points. There is also inquiry into the weight of the boy and its impact on the system's equilibrium.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the relationship between the torques of the rods and the forces acting on them. There is a shared understanding of the mechanics involved, although no explicit consensus on the final answer has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with specific weights and lengths of the rods, and there is a mention of the boy's weight, which is critical to the problem. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the exact conditions for toppling and the implications of different pivot choices.

songoku
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Homework Statement


Weight of AB = CD = 200 N
Length of AB = 3 m
Length of CD = 2 m
A boy moves from point A toward B. At what distance from point A the rod will topple?
a. 0.4 m b. 0.5 m c. 0.6 m d. 1 m e. 2 m
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Homework Equations


Newton's law
torque


The Attempt at a Solution


When rod AB topples, the normal force at B = normal force at C = 0 right?

Will there be normal force at point A? Where should I take the pivot?

Thanks
 
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What is the boy's weight?
The rod AB topples only when DC does it. It happens when the torque of the weight of DC around E can not balance the torque arising from the other rod. In that case the support C does not exert force. Put the pivot of rod DC at E.

ehild
 
ehild said:
What is the boy's weight?
The rod AB topples only when DC does it. It happens when the torque of the weight of DC around E can not balance the torque arising from the other rod. In that case the support C does not exert force. Put the pivot of rod DC at E.

ehild

Oh I'm sorry. The boy's weight is 600 N. Is 0.5 m the correct answer? Thanks
 
songoku said:
Oh I'm sorry. The boy's weight is 600 N. Is 0.5 m the correct answer? Thanks

I got the same. :smile:

ehild
 
ehild said:
I got the same. :smile:

ehild

Thanks for the help :)
 

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