Find the force the left support beam applies to the balance beam. Find the force the right support beam applies to the balance beam.

Question

The balance beam's own weight is negligible. Consider that the support force acts at a distance d = 1.625 m from the center of the beam. Take g = 9.8 m/s2.

There is 20kg at a distance of 1 m from the pivot point in the center of the beam on the left side and a weight of 10kg at a distance of 0.75 from the pivot point at the center of the beam on the right side.

Answer 1

Note that I converted mass to force using F = ma (in this case F = mg)

Make F_L your zero (origin):

(196)(0.625) + (98)(2.375) - (3.25)F_R = 0

F_R = [(196)(0.625) + (98)(2.375)]/3.25 = 109.3 N

Total downward force = 196 + 98 = 294 so total upward force = 294 N

F_L = 294 - 109.3 = 184.7 N