A uniform horizontal beam with a length L and a mass m is attached by a friction

Question

A uniform horizontal beam with a length L and a mass m is attached by a frictionless pivot to a wall. A cable making an angle theta with the beam is attached to the center of the beam. You want to hang a sign with mass M from the beam as far from the wall as possible (so people will see it). Given that the maximum tension in the cable before it breaks is T_max, what is the maximum distance from the wall that you can hang the sign? Before starting on solving the problem, a) Categorize the problem b) List any fundamental laws you think you might need c) Explain your STRATEGY!

Explanation / Answer

Basically in this question we need to discuss the approach rather than solving the problem

a. we need to find the maximum distance at which mass M should be hanged before breaking the cable.

b. the laws of equilibrium need to be considered and here both static as well as rotational equilibrium is important

c. first step: resolve all forces into horizontal and vertical components

second step : equate all horizontal forces and vertical forces

Third step : equate all clock wise moment with anti-clockwise moments so as to find the unknown.

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