A massless beam is supported only at one point, called the pivot point, as shown

Question

A massless beam is supported only at one point, called the pivot point, as shown in the diagram. A block with mass m1 sits at the left end of the beam, a distance L1 from the pivot point. A block with mass m2 sits at the right end of the beam, a distance L2 from the pivot point. L2 > L1. Calculate all torques about the pivot point, remembering that positive is anti-clockwise. Select Yes, No, Less than, Equal to, or Cannot tell.

a) If m1 * L1 = m2 * L2, will the masses have an angular acceleration?
b) Is there a net (non-zero) torque?
c) For m1 = m2, does the angular acceleration depend only on L1 / L2 ? (If it depends on the actual values of L1 and L2, put 'no'.)
d) Given particular values of m1, m2, and L1, is it always possible to choose L2 (with L2 > L1) such that the masses have no angular acceleration?

Explanation / Answer

"If m1 * L1 = m2 * L2, will the masses have an angular acceleration?"
Answer: No.

"If m1 * L1 = m2 * L2, is there a net (non-zero) torque?"

Answer : No.

"For m1 = m2, does the angular acceleration depend only on L1 / L2 ?"

Answer: Yes.

"Given particular values of m1, m2, and L1, is it always possible to choose L2 (with L2 > L1) such that the masses have no angular acceleration?"

Answer: No.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.