System of forces and torque on an object

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around understanding the concepts of torque, forces, and moments in a mechanics problem involving an object in equilibrium. The user is confused about differentiating between torques and forces, particularly regarding the normal force (N) and its relationship to torque (T) and an oblique force (R). It is clarified that N is a normal force, not a moment, and that R and T do not have a direct relationship. The user is advised to apply the static equilibrium equations, which state that the sum of all forces and moments must equal zero. Ultimately, the user successfully resolves the problem and prepares for their upcoming mechanics exam.
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http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/121/helperw.png/

Have a look at this picture. It contains my problem.
I don't really know how to differentiate torques, momentums and forces.

I attempted to do as follows :

Get the moment of N ( N*e, with e being a unit vector pointing upwards)
Get the momentof F. (easy)
Get the moment of R . Here I don't understand if the R is related to the torque T or not so I don't know how to get it.

After getting all moments, I just apply the equilibrium principle.

Another problem I have is the forces. The object is in equilibirum but we have only one "real" force which acts upon the object which is gravity. Other forces are torques really.
So there must be a way of making "forces" out of torques or forces that tend to move the body around a pivot like F or N.

How would you do to solve this question?
 
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This problem is very simple. You are given the vector quantities of all the forces and moments on the diagram except N. Have you tried writing equations of static equilibrium, since the object is stated to be in equilibrium? (Hint: use the pivot point as your reference)
 
I could of course write an expression of static equilibirum.

Sum of all moments is zero and sum of all forces is zero.

BUT

How can I transform N into a force? It is a momentum, not really a force.
And what is the realtionship between R and T?
And if T was a torque, why isn't it applied in the centre of gravity? and if so, is it possible to "shift" it to the centre of gravity?
 
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There is no requirement for a torque to be applied only about the center of gravity of an object.

N is the normal force of the object resting on the roller. It is not a moment. (Note: momentum in English denotes the product of a mass and velocity. A moment is the product of a force and a distance)

R is an oblique force applied at the pin, with the components noted in the problem statement. T is a torque (or moment) coincidentally applied at the same location as R. There is no known relationship between R and T.

This is a very simple problem. You are trying to make it more complex than it truly is.
 
Using your advice, I found 50 Newtons so it's answer C.

Can you check if possible?
 
Successed!
 
Thank you for your help mate !

My Mechanics exam is in two days.
 
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