Torque and Massless beam with Two Objects

In summary, the problem involves a massless beam with two objects at different distances from the pivot point. The torques about the pivot point need to be calculated, with positive being anti-clockwise. The questions ask about the angular acceleration, its dependence on the masses and distances, and the possibility of choosing a specific distance for one of the objects. The key to solving the problem lies in carefully considering the wording of part (d).
  • #1
kid0
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Torque and Massless beam with Two Objects!

Homework Statement



[URL]http://capa.mcgill.ca/res/mcgill/dcmcgill/oldproblems/mcgilllib/Dik/graphics/torque.jpg[/URL]
A massless beam is supported only at one point, called the pivot point, as shown in the diagram. A block with mass m1 sits at the left end of the beam, a distance L1 from the pivot point. A block with mass m2 sits at the right end of the beam, a distance L2 from the pivot point. L2 > L1. Calculate all torques about the pivot point, remembering that positive is anti-clockwise.
Select Yes, No, Less than, Equal to, or Cannot tell.


(a)If m1 = m2, will the masses have an angular acceleration?

(b)Given particular values of L1 and L2, does the angular acceleration depend only on m1 / m2 ? (If it depends on the actual values of m1 and m2, put 'no'.)

(c)Is there a net (non-zero) torque?

(d)Given particular values of m1, m2, and L1, is it always possible to choose L2 (with L2 > L1) such that the masses have no angular acceleration?



The Attempt at a Solution


I tried yes yes cannot tell and yes..

where did I go wrong ?
out of six tries this is my last one.. Please help .. PLEASE.
 
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  • #2


Start by drawing a diagram of the situation; label all masses, distances and forces.
If you're short on time I'd take a close look at the wording of part (d) specifically ;)
 

Related to Torque and Massless beam with Two Objects

What is torque?

Torque is a measure of the turning or rotational force that is applied to an object. It is defined as the product of the force applied and the distance from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is applied.

What is a massless beam?

A massless beam is a theoretical concept in physics where the weight of the beam is assumed to be negligible. This simplifies calculations involving torque and allows for easier analysis of rotational motion.

How is torque calculated?

Torque is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the distance from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is applied. The formula for torque is: T = F x d, where T is torque, F is force, and d is distance.

Can a massless beam support two objects?

Yes, a massless beam can support two objects as long as the total torque applied to the beam is balanced. This means that the sum of the clockwise torques must be equal to the sum of the counterclockwise torques.

What is the principle of moments?

The principle of moments states that for a beam to be in equilibrium, the sum of the clockwise moments must be equal to the sum of the counterclockwise moments. This principle is used to analyze systems with multiple objects and forces acting on a massless beam.

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