Weights of 600 g and 2.4 kg are suspended at the ends of the lever in equilibrium. The distance from the fulcrum

Weights of 600 g and 2.4 kg are suspended at the ends of the lever in equilibrium. The distance from the fulcrum to the great force is 18 cm. Determine the length of the lever.

These tasks: the lever is in equilibrium; m1 (the mass of the smaller load) = 600 g (0.6 kg); m2 (the mass of the larger load) = 2.4 kg; x2 (distance from fulcrum to greater force) = 18 cm (0.18).

1) Calculate the distance from the fulcrum to the lower force: F1 * x1 = m1 * g * x1 = M = F2 * x2 = m2 * g * x2, whence x1 = m2 * g * x2 / (m1 * g) = m2 * x2 / m1 = 2.4 * 0.18 / 0.6 = 0.72 m.

2) Determine the length of the lever: x = x1 + x2 = 0.72 + 0.18 = 0.9 m.

Answer: The length of the arm is 0.9 m.