Question

What would happen to a board that has forces acting in opposite directions but on opposite ends with a pivot point in the center

Answer 1

* if the two forces are equal the table is in equilibrium

* if the two forces are different, the table rotates in the direction of the difference of the forces

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's propose the solution of this problem, let's use the rotational equilibrium condition.

Counterclockwise rotations are positive

F₁ x₁ - F₂ x₂ = I α

Where F₁ and F₂ are the forces applied in an upward direction on both sides of the table, x₁ and x₂ are the distance from the point of application of the force to the pivot.

Suppose that the two forces a apply at the ends of the table,

x₁ = x₂ = x

we substitute

(F₁-F₂) x = I α

We have several possibilities:

* if the two forces are equal the table is in equilibrium

* if the two forces are different, the table rotates in the direction of the difference of the forces