The horizontal arm shoulders are 30 cm and 40 cm. The lesser of the two vertical forces acting
The horizontal arm shoulders are 30 cm and 40 cm. The lesser of the two vertical forces acting on the arm is 5 N. What is the second force if the arm is in equilibrium?
L1 = 30cm = 0.3m.
L2 = 40 cm = 0.4 m.
F2 = 5 N.
F1 -?
When the horizontal arm is in equilibrium, the moments of forces that act from opposite sides are equal to each other: M1 = M2.
The moment of force M is called the product of the applied force F to the smallest distance from the application of force in the axis of rotation of the lever L: M = F * L.
F1 * L1 = F2 * L2.
It can be seen from the formula that the smaller force F2 is applied to the larger lever L2.
F1 = F2 * L2 / L1.
F1 = 5 N * 0.4 m / 0.3 m = 6.7 N.
Answer: For balance, a force F1 = 6.7 N is applied to the larger arm of the horizontal lever.