How to find the forces and balance a lever with a weight on one end?

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To solve the lever problem, it is essential to find the forces F1 and F2 while considering the beam's weight of 20N. The left side force is calculated as 7.5N and the right side as 12.5N, leading to an applied force F1 of 5N and F2 as 0N. However, the discussion highlights that there is also an upward force at the pivot point, introducing a third unknown. The problem requires two equations for balance: the sum of forces and the sum of torques must equal zero. Additional information may be necessary to fully resolve the problem.
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Just getting back into physics in college and am stuck on this problem. I don't even remember how to start it let alone finish it. Help would be appretiated.
Need to find the forces of each end and the beam is to be balanced.

Homework Statement


Find the forces F1 and F2 that are in the positions shown, then move to the second positions and find F1 and F2 again. Lever weighs 20N

Figures are shown with horrible paint skills, sorry about that.

The Attempt at a Solution


A) (3/8)20N= 7.5N for the left force exerted by the beam
(5/8)20N= 12.5N for the right side of the beam
So far left side= 7.5N and right side= 12.5N
So does that mean F1(applied)=12.5N-7.5N=5N ? and then F2(applied)= 0N

Is it that it or am I missing something obvious
 

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Nobody has an idea or is the drawing that bad
 
Welcome to Physics Forums.

This problem is confusing in the way it is being asked. Besides the forces F1 and F2, there must also be an upward force (call it U) exerted on the beam at the pivot point. So that is 3 unknown quantities in the problem.

But we can only write 2 equations to describe the lever being balanced: (1) the forces' (vector) sum is zero, and (2) the torques sum to zero.

It seems there is another piece of information needed to solve this, or I do not understand the description correctly. Does the problem statement say anything else about the forces F1 and F2?
 
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