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How can two objects with different masses be in balanced equilibrium on a beam with a pivot at the beam's center of mass?

Answer :

Final answer:

Two objects with different masses can achieve balanced equilibrium on a beam if the sum of the moments they exert on each side of the pivot is equal. This principle of moment or torque is fundamental in physics.

Explanation:

Two objects with different masses can be in balanced equilibrium on a beam with a pivot at the beam's center of mass if the forces acting on the beam are balanced. In physics, this is known as the principle of moment or torque. The moment is the product of the force applied on a body and the distance of the force from the pivot point. For equilibrium to occur, the sum of the moments on either side of the pivot must be equal.

To illustrate, imagine a simple lever with a pivot located at the center. If a 5kg object is placed 2m from the pivot on one side, it exerts a moment of 10Nm on the lever. A 10kg object would balance this on the opposite side if it was placed 1m from the pivot, as it would also exert a moment of 10Nm. Although the two objects have different masses, they produce equal moments so the beam is in balanced equilibrium.

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Answer is given below

Explanation:

  • Since the two objects have different masses, their weight varies. For balance, they must be unequal from the center

  • The lower weight should be placed at a greater distance from the center on one side, and a shorter distance from the center point on the other side, compared to the heavier weight.
  • The sum of the moments of the energies must be zero.