At the ends of the lever there are two forces of 40N and 240N. The distance from the fulcrum to the lower force is 6 cm

At the ends of the lever there are two forces of 40N and 240N. The distance from the fulcrum to the lower force is 6 cm. Determine the length of the second arm of the lever.

Let us write down the lever rule: F1 / l1 = F2 / l2, where F1 and F2 are the applied forces, l1 and l2 are the distances from the points of application of forces to the fulcrum. Let us express one of the distances from the above formula:

1 / l1 = F2 / l2 * F1;

l1 = l2 * F1 / F2.

Substitute the values specified in the condition:

l1 = 0.06 * 40/240 = 0.01 m.

Answer: the required distance is 0.01 m or 1 cm.