Static Equilibrium and a uniform rod

A at which an additional weight Fg can be hung without causing the rod to slip at point A is approximately 2.00m. In summary, the problem involves a uniform rod with one end supported by a cable and the other end resting against a wall with friction. The coefficient of static friction between the wall and the rod is 0.500 and the angle between the cable and beam is 36 degrees. The goal is to determine the minimum distance x at which an additional weight Fg can be added without causing the rod to slip at point A. The solution involves finding the maximum downward force at A without slipping, which is a function of the horizontal component of the force at A and the coefficient of static
  • #1
BillytheKid
2
0
One end of a uniform 4.00-m long rod of weight Fg is supported by a cable. The other end rests against the wall, where it is held by friction. The coefficient of static friction between the wall and the rod is = 0.500. Determine the minimum distance x from point A at which an additional weight Fg (the same as the weight of the rod) can be hung without causing the rod to slip at point A. Angle cable and beam make is 36 degrees

I'm just staring at the problem we have done a lot in class involving the tension in the cable and how far one could walk before the beam breaks but that involves the beam being at a hinge on the wall. I have seen one only involving friction. I could use some hints
 
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  • #2
BillytheKid said:
One end of a uniform 4.00-m long rod of weight Fg is supported by a cable. The other end rests against the wall, where it is held by friction. The coefficient of static friction between the wall and the rod is = 0.500. Determine the minimum distance x from point A at which an additional weight Fg (the same as the weight of the rod) can be hung without causing the rod to slip at point A. Angle cable and beam make is 36 degrees

I'm just staring at the problem we have done a lot in class involving the tension in the cable and how far one could walk before the beam breaks but that involves the beam being at a hinge on the wall. I have seen one only involving friction. I could use some hints
What you describe appears to be a lever with a fulcrum at the cable end. The issue is how much torque can be applied to this lever arm. The maximum downward force at A (contact point between rod and wall) without slipping is a function of the horizontal component of the force at A times [itex]\mu_s[/itex].

Does that help?

AM
 
  • #3


To solve this problem, we can use the concept of static equilibrium, which states that the forces acting on an object must be balanced for it to remain stationary. In this case, the forces acting on the rod are its weight (Fg) and the tension in the cable (T). We can also consider the friction force (Ff) acting at point A, which must be equal and opposite to the horizontal component of the tension in the cable.

First, let's draw a free body diagram of the rod:

At point A, the forces acting on the rod are the tension in the cable (T), the weight of the rod (Fg), and the friction force (Ff). The angle between the cable and the rod is 36 degrees, so the horizontal component of the tension (Tcos36) is equal to the friction force (Ff). We can also see that the vertical component of the tension (Tsin36) is equal to the weight of the rod (Fg).

Since the rod is in static equilibrium, the sum of the forces in the horizontal direction must be equal to zero:

Tcos36 - Ff = 0

Substituting in the value for the friction force (Ff = μFg), we get:

Tcos36 - μFg = 0

Similarly, the sum of the forces in the vertical direction must also be equal to zero:

Tsin36 - Fg = 0

Substituting in the value for the weight of the rod (Fg), we get:

Tsin36 - Fg = 0

Now, we can solve for the tension in the cable (T) by using the Pythagorean theorem:

T = √(Tcos36)^2 + (Tsin36)^2

Plugging in the values, we get:

T = √((μFg)^2 + (Fg)^2)

Next, we can use the fact that the additional weight (Fg) will cause the rod to slip at point A. This means that the friction force (Ff) must be equal to or greater than the horizontal component of the tension (Tcos36):

Ff ≥ Tcos36

Substituting in the value for the friction force (Ff = μFg) and the tension (T), we get:

μFg ≥ √((μFg)^2 + (Fg)^2)cos36
 

1. What is static equilibrium?

Static equilibrium is a state in which an object is at rest and all forces acting on it are balanced. This means that the object will not accelerate or change its position unless an external force is applied.

2. What is a uniform rod?

A uniform rod is a rigid object that has a constant density and cross-sectional area, meaning that its mass is evenly distributed along its length.

3. What are the conditions for static equilibrium in a uniform rod?

To achieve static equilibrium, the sum of all forces acting on the rod must be equal to zero, and the sum of all torques (rotational forces) must also be equal to zero. This means that the rod must be at rest and not rotating.

4. How do you calculate the center of mass of a uniform rod?

The center of mass of a uniform rod is located at its geometric center, which can be calculated by dividing the length of the rod by 2. This is because the mass is evenly distributed along the rod's length, making the center of mass the point of balance.

5. Can a uniform rod be in static equilibrium if it is not horizontal?

Yes, a uniform rod can be in static equilibrium in any position, as long as the conditions for static equilibrium are met. This means that the sum of all forces and torques acting on the rod must be equal to zero, regardless of the rod's orientation.

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