Basic Torque Analysis
A beam is set on a fulcrum and masses are placed on either side. One mass (0.4kg) is placed 0.4m away from the fulcrum, on one side. On the opposite side are 2 masses, both 0.2 kg. One placed 0.2m from the fulcrum and the second placed 0.2m from the first. Will the beam stay in equilibrium or will it tilt? If it tilts, what is the net torque and what direction does it tilt?
A beam is set on a fulcrum and masses are placed on either side. One mass (0.4kg) is placed 0.4m away from the fulcrum, on one side. On the opposite side are 2 masses, both 0.2 kg. One placed 0.2m from the fulcrum and the second placed 0.2m from the first. Will the beam stay in equilibrium or will it tilt? If it tilts, what is the net torque and what direction does it tilt?