Final answer:
To balance the 90-kg load, a counterweight with a mass of 90 kg is required.
Step-by-step explanation:
To balance the system, the torque exerted by the 90-kg load, l, must be equal to the torque exerted by the counterweight, s. The torque is given by the product of the force and the lever arm. Since the distance from the fulcrum to the load is x=450 mm, the torque exerted by the load is (90 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(0.45 m). To balance this torque, the counterweight must exert an equal torque but in the opposite direction. Therefore, the mass of the counterweight can be calculated using the equation:
torque load = torque counterweight
(90 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(0.45 m) = mass counterweight(9.8 m/s^2)(0.45 m)
Simplifying and solving for the mass of the counterweight, we have:
mass counterweight = (90 kg)(0.45 m) / 0.45 m = 90 kg
Therefore, the mass of the counterweight required to balance the 90-kg load is 90 kg.