Solving Torque Rock Problem: Force, Location & Equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a torque problem involving a 6.0m steel rod balanced on a rock with a baby moose weighing 2.0 kN at one end and a downward force of 400N applied at the other end. The correct answer to the problem is determined to be (a) 1.0m from the moose, based on the principles of torque and equilibrium. The key equations used include T = Fl, Tnet = 0, and Fnet = 0, which are essential for analyzing the forces and torques acting on the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of torque and equilibrium principles
  • Ability to draw and interpret free body diagrams
  • Familiarity with the equations T = Fl, Tnet = 0, and Fnet = 0
  • Knowledge of lever systems and fulcrum concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of torque in-depth, focusing on applications in static equilibrium
  • Learn how to effectively draw and analyze free body diagrams for complex systems
  • Explore real-world applications of levers and fulcrums in engineering
  • Investigate the relationship between force, distance, and torque in various mechanical systems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators teaching torque and equilibrium concepts in a classroom setting.

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Homework Statement


Someone places a 6.0m long steel rod on a rock so that one end is under a baby moose weighing 2.0 kN. THe person pushes down on the other end of the rod with a force of 400N, and the moose is held in the air at rest. The rock was:
(a) 1.0m from the moose
(b) 5.0m from the moose
(c) 1.0m from the person
(d) 6.0m from the person
(e) none of these


Homework Equations


T = Fl
Tnet = 0
Fnet = 0

The Attempt at a Solution



So I began this problem by drawing a free body diagram. I drew the 2000N moose on the right end of a rod that is balanced in the center by a rock. I drew that there are two forces acting in the downward direction, the 400N force and the 2000N W. Since I don't know the force applied on the rod by the rock, I made the center of gravity my axis of rotation. My teacher gave us the answers at the end of class, and said that the answer is (a). Is this because of the ratio between the forces of the moose and the person? How do you know that there's a relationship between the force applied and the location to which it's applied? Thanks in advance.
 
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The torques are summed about the fulcrum for a lever. The rock is the fulcrum in this example.
 

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