How far to the right can a person walk before the plank will

  • Thread starter Thread starter QaH
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating how far a person can walk on a plank before it tips over. The plank, measuring 6.1 meters and supported 2.5 meters apart, has a gravitational force of 130 N. The person standing 0.1 meters to the right of the right support exerts a gravitational force of 814 N. The center of mass of the plank is determined to be 0.95 meters from the right support. The equation used to find the tipping point is correctly set up, and participants confirm the calculations are accurate.
QaH
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A uniform plank 6.1 m long rests on two supports, 2.5 m apart (see figure below). The gravitational force on the plank is 130 N. The left end of the plank is 1.5 m to the left of the left support, so the plank is not centered on the supports. A person is standing on the plank one tenth of a meter to the right of the right support. The gravitational force on this person is 814 N. How far to the right can the person walk before the plank begins to tip?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



The center of mass, since the plank is uniform, is 6.1m/2=3.05m
This means that the center of mass is 4m-3.05m=0.95m from the right support.
Our person is standing 0.1 meters to the right of the right support.
0.95m(130N)=(0.1m+x)814N
solving for x I got
[0.95m(130N)/814N]-0.1m=x
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Where did the 3m come from?
It would help if you explain what you did.
 
I changed what I did a bit in the description.
 
QaH said:
[0.95m(130N)/814N]-0.1m=x
Looks right.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top