Question

A pivot clip is positioned at the center of a meter stick with two hanging clips placed on the left side (each clip is 5 g) one at 10 cm from the center and other at 30 cm from the center. Each added mass is 30 g. What single mass would need to be positioned at 40 cm to the right of center to balance the system

Answer 1

Answer: 5grams

Step-by-step explanation:

Using the principle of moment to solve the question which states that the sum of clockwise moments is equal to the sum of anticlockwise moments

And moment = Force × Perpendicular distance from the direction of the force

*Check attachment for diagram

Taking moment about the pivot placed at C,

Sum of anticlockwise moments = (5×30) + (5×10)

Clockwise moment = M×40

Equating both and getting M

(5×30) + (5×10) = M×40

150+50 = 40M

200 = 40M

M = 5g

The single mass is 5grams.