A uniform beam of mass 10 kg and length 10 meters is supported on both far ends. A 2 kg mass is placed 2 meters from the right end. What force does each support exert?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Need to solve for forces and torques.
F1 + F2 = [10 kg + 2 kg] (9.8N/kg) = 117.6 N

Next, pick one end or the other and equate the torques clockwise and counter-clockwise. Put the beam mass at the center of mass, 

0 = -(10 kg)(9.8 N/kg)(5 m) - (2 kg)(9.8 N/kg) (8m) + (F2 ) (10m) 

and solve for F2, thus also get F1. Should find F2> F1.

anonymous · Answer

Glad you found this helpful.