Torque question?
A meter stick has a mass of 0.27 kg and balances at its center. When a small chain is suspended from one end, the balance point moves 30.0 cm toward the end with the chain. Determine the mass of the chain.
A meter stick has a mass of 0.27 kg and balances at its center. When a small chain is suspended from one end, the balance point moves 30.0 cm toward the end with the chain. Determine the mass of the chain.
Andrew Smith
Favorite Answer
You can take torques around ANY convenient point.
I would take them around this new balance point.
The centre of mass of the stick is at a distance of +30 cm from this
the chain is at a distance of -20 cm from this
The torques must add to zero
so M* -20 + 0.27 * 30 = 0
M = 0.27 * 30 /20 = 0.41 kg