# Find mass using torque

1. Mar 12, 2009

### bballa99

Torque question need help!

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Find the mass of the bar.
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8871/eeeeee.png [Broken]
(My paint drawing sucks.)

A = 0.5 kg
B = 0.5 kg
L = 50cm
Angle = 76 degrees

2. Relevant equations

$$fd_\perp$$ , Tcl = Tcc $$T_cl = T_cc$$ (Torque clockwise = Torque counter-clockwise)

3. The attempt at a solution

Tcl = Tcc
m(9.8)(0.25 sin 76) = (0.5sin76)(9.8)

I have attemped the above, and ended up with mass = 1.49 kg which is impossible.... (it was a plastic ruler).

I dont think I am missing anything given.

Last edited by a moderator: May 4, 2017
2. Mar 12, 2009

### bballa99

Bump. Also the system is in eqilibrium, right?

3. Mar 12, 2009

### PhanthomJay

What happened to the force and torque from the mass B? And you left out the mass of A or the lever arm of A to the pivot, I can't tell which one you forgot, because the numerical values are the same. Also, if I read your diagram correctly, the mass B seems to be attached to a rope around a pulley, with the other end of the rope teminating at the mid point of the beam. If that'scorrect, you need to know what angle the rope makes with the beam at its point of connection with the beam midpoint, and calculate the torque from that tensile force appropriately.

4. Mar 13, 2009

### bballa99

Oh sorry. I forgot to add that in, I had it erased. The angle the rope makes with the beam is 30 degrees.

And I used:
$$F_ad$$ = $$F_bd$$

5. Mar 13, 2009

### PhanthomJay

The system is in equilibrium if it isn't moving after all loads are applied. When summing torques about the pivot, you must include the torques from all loads: from the bars weight, the weight of mass A, and the tension force applied at midpoint from the weight of mass B. Torques can be found from Torque=F(r)sin theta, where F is the force, r is the position vector measured along the bar from the point of application of the force to the pivot, and theta is the angle in between the force and position vector. Watch plus and minus signs.

6. Mar 13, 2009

### bballa99

Thank you. I understand now.

Solved.

(How to mark it? I can't find it under thread tools)