Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 12 - Rotation of a Rigid Body - Exercises and Problems - Page 351: 59

Answer

$0.914 \;\rm m$

Work Step by Step

We need to find the forces exerted on the board, as seen in the second figure below. The board is assumed to be uniform so its center of mass is just in the middle as we drew below. Now we know that this board is in equilibrium which means that the net torque exerted on it is zero. Thus, the net torque around the pivot point is zero as well. $$\sum \tau_{pivot}=F_{n,pivot}(0)+m_{\rm girl}gx_{cm}+m_{\rm board}g(1.25)-F_{n,scale}(2.5)=0$$ We chose counterclockwise around the pivot point to be the positive direction. $$ m_{\rm girl}gx_{cm}+1.25m_{\rm board}g -2.5F_{n,scale}=0$$ Solving for the center of mass of the girl, $$ x_{cm} =\dfrac{2.5F_{n,scale} -1.25m_{\rm board}g}{m_{\rm girl}g}$$ Noting that the normal force exerted by is given by $25 g$ $$ x_{cm} =\dfrac{2.5(25\color{red}{\bf\not} g)-1.25m_{\rm board}\color{red}{\bf\not} g}{m_{\rm girl}\color{red}{\bf\not} g}$$ Hence, $$ x_{cm} =\dfrac{[2.5\times 25]-[1.25\times6.1]}{ 60}$$ $$ x_{cm} =\color{red}{\bf 0.914}\;\rm m$$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.