How Can I Determine the Weights of Fish A, C, and D in Mobile Equilibrium?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the weights of fish A, C, and D in a mobile that is in equilibrium, given that fish B weighs 27 oz. The context is centered around the principles of moments and equilibrium in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using moments about various points to set up equations for the weights of the fish. There are attempts to express relationships between the weights based on equilibrium conditions.

Discussion Status

Some participants express confidence in their approach, while others question the simplicity of the solution process. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the weights and the equations derived from the moments.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the weights of the crossbars are negligible, which may influence their calculations and interpretations of the moments.

Isimanica
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Homework Statement


The mobile is in equilibrium. The fish B weighs
27 oz. Determine the weights of fish A, C and D.
(The weights of the crossbars are negligible).
1154484.jpg



Homework Equations


Moment = Force*Distance


The Attempt at a Solution


My idea here is to use the moments about each point, solve for one variable. Here is what I have com up with so far, am I on the right track?
D(14)=A(4) since their moments at that point are in equilibrium.
B(4)=12(A+D)
C(24)=6(A+B+D)
Am I wrong in setting it up this way?
 
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So far so good.
 
So then I just say that I set A=D(14)/4
Replace A in equation B(4)=12(D+ (D(14)/4))
Solve for D and then replace D and A values that I get into the equation for
C(24)=6(B+D+A) solve for C and that is it? Please tell me that it wasn't that simple?
 
Isimanica said:
Please tell me that it wasn't that simple?

As you wish.

It wasn't that simple :-p
 

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