# Homework Help: Suspended mass

1. Jun 11, 2007

### Ry122

A ruler is suspended from point x. When a mass is put at point y the mass at x is heavier than when it is at point p.
x-------------------p------------------------y
------------------------------------------------
Why is it that when the mass is moved closer to x the mass at x decreases?

2. Jun 11, 2007

### ice109

do you mean force?

3. Jun 11, 2007

I did not understand the question properly.
You mention that the ruler is suspended from the Point X which is the leftmost point then what effect will the mass have when it is put at the suspension point.

Just to put it into perspective.
Note
$$\tau =rXF$$
So at X the value of r is nil.

Last edited: Jun 11, 2007
4. Jun 11, 2007

Sorry Tau=rXf

5. Jun 11, 2007

### ice109

yes which means the force at y is zero but the force at x is max

6. Jun 11, 2007

### Ry122

Thanks for the help but what I really wanted to know was why t=r x f. I can understand that the torque increases when the force is increased but why is it that when r increases the torque increases?