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A uniform metre rule AB is supported at its centre of gravity by a knife edge. A force of 5 N is applied at a point is 30 mm from end A of the rule. Calculate the force which must be applied to point B to restore equilibrium.

User Edhurtig
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1 Answer

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To restore equilibrium, the sum of the clockwise moments must be equal to the sum of the anticlockwise moments.

In this scenario, a force of 5 N is applied at a point 30 mm from end A. We need to calculate the force that must be applied at point B to restore equilibrium.

Here's how we can solve this:

1. Convert the distance from millimeters to meters:

30 mm = 30/1000 = 0.03 meters

2. Calculate the moment of the applied force at point A:

Moment at A = Force x Distance

Moment at A = 5 N x 0.03 m

Moment at A = 0.15 Nm

3. Since the meter rule is uniform, the center of gravity is at the midpoint. Therefore, the distance from point B to the center of gravity is equal to the distance from point A to the center of gravity, which is 0.5 meters.

4. Let's assume the force applied at point B is F.

The moment at B is given by:

Moment at B = Force at B x Distance

Moment at B = F x 0.5 m

Moment at B = 0.5F Nm

5. Set up the equation using the principle of moments:

Sum of clockwise moments = Sum of anticlockwise moments

0.15 Nm = 0.5F Nm

6. Solve for F:

0.5F = 0.15

F = 0.15 / 0.5

F = 0.3 N

Therefore, a force of 0.3 N must be applied at point B to restore equilibrium.

User Ehvince
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