A uniform beam that weighs 10 lb is supported by two vertical wires A and B. A box that weighs 35 lb is placed on the beam. Find the tension in the two wires.

Question

btaylor · Answer

The first step in any physics problem is to draw a picture, here, I think a free body diagram would be most useful. How would you draw the FBD for this?

anonymous · Answer

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btaylor · Answer

In order to find the forces, we have to find the new distribution of weight --> the new center of gravity. Can you do that?

anonymous · Answer

@BTaylor 
Thats not required.. you don't have to treat it as one object.. you can work with two different objects their weights acting at their respective centres of masses, thats much easier :P.. 

@danielle02  I advice u, draw all the forces that are coming on the beam.. the weight of the beam, and the weight of the box, draw tension forces, and then use condition for equilibrium! chop chop.. get to work mate.. pronto!