Physics 71 DQ 12

Discussion Quiz 12 (40 points)

Class No. & Surname:
U  U-1  U-2  U-3  U-4
Answer each question completely in the spaces provided. This is a closed notes quiz but you
are allowed to discuss with your classmate. Round your final answer properly and box it.
Explicitly state the coordinate system you used. Use g = 9.80 [m/s2 ].

1. [10 pts] A 0.120-[kg], 50.0-[cm]-long uniform bar has a small 0.055-[kg] mass glued to
its left end and a small 0.110-[kg] mass glued to the other end. The two small masses
can each be treated as point masses. You want to balance this system horizontally on
a fulcrum placed just under its center of gravity. How far from the left end should the
fulcrum be placed?

Solution: The center of gravity of the bar is at its center and it can be treated as
a point mass at that point. Use coordinates with the origin at the left end of the
bar and the +x axis along the bar.
m1 x1 + m2 x2 + m3 x3
xcm = = 0.298 [m] (1)
m1 + m2 + m3
Physics 71 DQ 12

2. The horizontal beam in the following figure weighs 150 [N], and its center of gravity is
at its center.
(a) [5 pts] Find the tension in the cable.

Solution: Apply the second condition for equilibrium.

∑
τz = −w(2.00) − wload (4.00) + T sin θ(4.00) = 0 (2)
which gives
w(2.00) + wload (4.00)
T = = 625 [N] (3)
(4.00) sin θ

(b) [5 pts] Find the horizontal and vertical components of the force exerted on the
beam at the wall.

Solution: Apply the first condition for equilibrium.

∑
Fx = Hh − T cos θ = 0 (4)

gives Hh = T cos θ = 500 [N] .

∑
Fy = Hv − w − wload + T sin θ = 0 (5)

gives Hv = w + wload − T sin θ = 75 [N]

Physics 71 DQ 12

3. [10 pts] A uniform plank, with length L and weight of W , rests on the ground and
against a frictionless roller at the top of a wall of height h. The plank remains in
equilibrium for any value of θ ≥ 60◦ but slips if θ < 60◦ . Draw its free body diagram
properly and setup the equilibrium equations.

Solution: The equations of equilibrium are,

F sin θ − f = 0 (6)
F cos θ − W + FN = 0 (7)
FN d − f h − W (d − 0.5L cos θ) = 0 (8)

The point of contact between the plank and the roller was used as the origin for
writing the torque equation.
Physics 71 DQ 12

4. [10 pts] A circular steel wire 2.00 [m] long must stretch no more than 0.25 [cm] when
a tensile force of 400 [N] is applied to each end of the wire. What minimum diameter
is required for the wire? (Y = 2.0 × 1011 [N/m2 ] for steel)

Solution: Begin with

l0 F⊥
Y = (9)
A∆l
so
l0 F⊥
A= = 1.6 × 10−6 [m2 ]. (10)
Y ∆l
√
Since A = πr2 , so r = A/π = 7.1 × 10−4 [m]. Finally d = 2r = 1.4 [mm]