Static Equilibrium and tension of a beam

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the value of distance D for a beam in static equilibrium, given a weight of 520 N and a maximum cable tension of 1200 N. The beam, measuring 3.4 m in length, is hinged at one end and supported by a cable at the other. The key equation involves the sum of torques, where the gravitational force acts at the midpoint of the beam (1.7 m). Participants emphasize the need to consider both the gravitational force and the tension in the cable to maintain equilibrium.

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  • Understanding of static equilibrium principles
  • Knowledge of torque calculations
  • Familiarity with free body diagrams
  • Basic physics concepts related to forces and moments
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  • Learn how to draw and analyze free body diagrams
  • Explore torque calculations and their applications in engineering
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, engineers involved in structural analysis, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of static equilibrium in beams.

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Homework Statement


In the figure below, a uniform beam of weight 520 N and length 3.4 m is suspended horizontally. On the left it is hinged to a wall; on the right is it supported by a cable bolted to the wall at distance D above the beam. The least tension that will snap the cable is 1200 N.

What value of D corresponds to that tension?


Homework Equations


\Sigma\tau = 3.4m(520N) + ?



The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not really sure what to put in after what I have put in already.
I know it's conservation of torque but that's about it..
 
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At what point on the beam does gravity act? Draw a free body diagram and put in all the forces. Then say that the sum of all the torques is zero.
 
I know that gravity acts on the beam at 1.7m but I'm not seeing how I'm supposed to set the sum of the torques equal to zero..but that's probably because I'm not sure what forces are acting upon the beam besides gravity and the tension from the cable.
 
There is a force at the hinge that has horizontal and vertical components Fx and Fy. If you calculate torques about the hinge, they do not contribute to the net torque. However gravity and the tension must exert equal and opposite torques about the hinge if this beam is to be in equilibrium.
 

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