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As shown in the figure below, we have a square one meter on a side that is free

ID: 2287387 • Letter: A

Question

As shown in the figure below, we have a square one meter on a side that is free to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the square, a distance a from one side and a distance b from the other side. Two forces,

and

are applied to diagonally opposite corners, and act along the sides of the square, first as shown in case (i) and then as shown in case (ii) of the drawing. In each case the net torque produced by the forces is zero. If the magnitude of

is 4 times that of

find the distances a and b that locate the axis. It should be noted that a and b are not drawn to scale.

Supporting Materials

a = m b = m

Explanation / Answer

net torque = 0

F2*a - F1*b = 0


4*F1*a - F1*b = 0

4a = b


a = b/4

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F2*b - F1*a = 0


4*F1*b - F1*a = 0


4b - a = 0


a = 4b