Solve Value of R: Moment & Equilibrium

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    Equilibrium Moment
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for the value of R in the context of moments and equilibrium, specifically focusing on the application of forces and their effects on torque. Participants explore the implications of applying forces at different angles relative to a beam.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about resolving R into a force perpendicular to the beam and questions the reasoning behind using R to multiply a given value directly.
  • Another participant agrees with the initial participant's intuition, stating that applying a force diagonally would result in a smaller moment or torque compared to a perpendicular application.
  • It is noted that if the line of application of the force intercepts the fulcrum, the torque would be zero.
  • Participants discuss the relationship between the applied force and the resulting torque, indicating that the value of R would be smaller when applied perpendicularly compared to its representation in the problem.
  • Clarifications are provided regarding the direction of reactive forces and their relationship to the surface supporting the beam.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the conceptual understanding of how the angle of force application affects torque, but the initial participant's confusion about the problem setup indicates that some aspects remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks a complete problem description and diagram, which may limit the clarity of the arguments presented. There are also unresolved assumptions regarding the specific values and configurations mentioned.

Who May Find This Useful

Students or individuals interested in understanding the principles of moments, torque, and equilibrium in mechanical systems may find this discussion relevant.

maitake91
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Homework Statement
Solve the value of R based on the diagram attached.
Relevant Equations
Sum of moment in equilibrium = 0
Summary:: I need some help with moment when using equations of equilibrium

Edit: Sorry I forgot to say what the question was! The question was to solve the value of R based on the diagram below alone.

I was solving the question below and I tried to resolve R into a force that is perpendicular to the beam, but I couldn't. So then I looked at the workout for the answer, and apparently you don't have to do that, since they just used R to multiply 8. I don't understand why this is the case. By intuition, I imagine if I tried to push a beam with the same force but did it diagonally instead of at a position perpendicularly towards the beam, it makes more sense to me that it would spin slower. Please can someone explain to me why I am wrong? I would really appreciate the help.

スクリーンショット 2020-08-14 20.44.05.png
 
Last edited:
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Welcome, maitake91 :cool:

Your intuition is correct: If you "tried to push a beam with the same force but did it diagonally instead of at a position perpendicularly towards the beam", the value of the resulting moment or torque would be smaller.
For the extreme case of line of application of the force intercepting the fulcrum, the torque value would be zero.

The value of R, if perpendicularly applied to the beam, would be 8.00/8.67 times smaller than the represented R.
All torques are in reference to the fulcrum A.
The reactive force that compensates for the angular application of the 500 N applied on B is Ax.
The direction of the reactive force on B can only be perpendicular to the surface that supports the rocking fixture (note its rounded base).
 
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Lnewqban said:
Welcome, maitake91 :cool:

Your intuition is correct: If you "tried to push a beam with the same force but did it diagonally instead of at a position perpendicularly towards the beam", the value of the resulting moment or torque would be smaller.
For the extreme case of line of application of the force intercepting the fulcrum, the torque value would be zero.

The value of R, if perpendicularly applied to the beam, would be 8.00/8.67 times smaller than the represented R.
All torques are in reference to the fulcrum A.
The reactive force that compensates for the angular application of the 500 N applied on B is Ax.
The direction of the reactive force on B can only be perpendicular to the surface that supports the rocking fixture (note its rounded base).
Thank you so much for your reply, it was very helpful and I understand now!
 
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You are welcome :smile:
 

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