Question

Place 3N worth of force 0.8m from the fulcrum. Where would you have to place 4N to balance the lever?

a) 0.5m from the fulcrum
b) 0.4m from the fulcrum
c) 0.2m from the fulcrum
d) 0.1m from the fulcrum

Answer 1

To balance a lever, the torques on both sides must be equal. However, the calculations yield a distance of 0.6 meters to balance the lever with 4N of force, which is not listed in the provided options, indicating a potential issue with the question or options provided.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of this question is Physics, specifically related to the principles of torque and equilibrium in mechanics. To balance a lever, the torque created by the forces on both sides of the fulcrum must be equal. Torque is the product of the force applied and the distance from the fulcrum at which it acts, expressed in Newton-meters (Nm).

To solve the given problem:

1. Calculate the torque generated by the 3N force: Torque = Force x Distance = 3N x 0.8m = 2.4 Nm.
2. Set the torque from the 4N force equal to 2.4 Nm to find the distance: 4N x Distance = 2.4Nm.
3. Divide by the force to get the distance: Distance = 2.4Nm / 4N = 0.6m. However, this option is not given in the choices, indicating a potential mistake in the setup or choices provided.

Since the correct distance does not match any of the provided options, it is advisable to double-check the calculations and ensure there is no typographical error in the options given. If the options are correct, there may be an issue with the question itself.