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.

1) 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?

2) Given particular values of L1 and L2, does the angular acceleration depend only on m1 / m2 ? (If it depends on the actual values of m1 and m2, put 'no'.)

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

4) If m1 = m2, will the masses have an angular acceleration?

Explanation / Answer

= m1L1 - m2L2

1) & 2) no angular acceleration means no torque onsystem

m1L1 - m2L2 = 0

m1L2 = m2L2

if L2 > L1 , then m1 = m2L2/ L1

3) no, torque will be zero.

4) yes , they have angular acceleration as L2 > L1

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

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