How Much Mass is Needed for a Counterweight to Balance a Truck on an Incline?

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To determine the mass of the counterweight needed to balance a 1600 kg truck on an incline, the problem requires applying the principles of static equilibrium and torque. The discussion emphasizes that while rotational dynamics and torque are relevant concepts, they may not be necessary for this specific problem. Instead, using Newton's second law for both the truck and the counterweight can simplify the solution. The focus is on establishing the relationship between the forces acting on both masses to find the required counterweight. Understanding these fundamental physics principles is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement



Find the mass m of the counterweight needed to balance the 1600 kg truck on the incline. Assume all pulleys are frictionless and massless.

Picture attached

Homework Equations



Conditions for static equilibrium so that angular acceleration=0:
\sumTorque=0

The Attempt at a Solution



We're learning about rotational dynamics and torque and I honestly cannot make the connection between that and this problem. Please help ):
 

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xdevinx said:
Find the mass m of the counterweight needed to balance the 1600 kg truck on the incline. Assume all pulleys are frictionless and massless.
…
We're learning about rotational dynamics and torque and I honestly cannot make the connection between that and this problem. Please help ):

Hi xdevinx! Welcome to PF! :smile:

I can't see the diagram yet, but if this is a standard weight-pulley-weight problem, then rotational dynamics and torque and irrelevant …

just call the tension T, and use good ol' Newtons second law twice (once on each weight). :wink:
 

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