A weight of 700 N was attached to the arm at a distance of 40 cm from the fulcrum.
A weight of 700 N was attached to the arm at a distance of 40 cm from the fulcrum. How much force must be applied on the other side of the lever at a distance of 80 cm to keep the lever in balance?
F1 = 700 N.
l1 = 40 cm = 0.4 m.
l2 = 80 cm = 0.8 m.
F2 -?
The condition for the balance of the lever is the equality of the moments of forces: M1 = M2.
The moment of force M is the product of the force F to the smallest distance from the application of force to the axis of balance, which is called the shoulder l: M = F * l.
M1 = F1 * l1.
M2 = F2 * l2.
F1 * l1 = F2 * l2.
The formula for determining the applied force F2 to the lever will take the form: F2 = F1 * l1 / l2.
F2 = 700 N * 0.4 m / 0.8 m = 350 N.
Answer: to balance the lever, you need to apply a force F2 = 350 N.