Answer :
Final answer:
A beam is balanced when it is in equilibrium, achieved when the sum of clockwise moments matches the sum of anticlockwise moments. The moments due to the weights and distances from the pivot of the beam, target load, and jockey weight must be balanced, resulting in zero net force and no rotation.
Explanation:
When a beam is balanced, equilibrium is achieved. This balance arises from the principle of moments which states that for a body to be in equilibrium, the sum of clockwise moments about a pivot point must equal the sum of anticlockwise moments about the same point. In the context of the beam, this means that the moments due to the weights of the beam, target load, and jockey weight must balance out each other when in the zero position.
For example, if you consider a beam with a target load and a jockey weight, the beam will be balanced (i.e., in equilibrium) if the beam's weight times the distance from the pivot, plus the target load's weight times its distance from the pivot, equals the jockey weight times its distance from the pivot. This results in a balanced beam with no rotation and zero net force.
Taking another example, look at a pole vaulter. The pole's center of gravity (cg) lies halfway between the vaulter's hands. The force exerted by each hand is equal to half the weight of the pole, satisfying the conditions for equilibrium. There is no net torque as the equal forces from both hands counterbalance each other, hence maintaining equilibrium.
Learn more about Balancing Moments here:
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