Two blocks, each of mass m, are attached to the ends of a massless rod which pivots as shown in Figure 8-40. Initially the rod is held in the horizontal position and then released. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the net torque on this system. (Express your answer in terms of m, g for gravity, L_1 for L1, and L_2 for L2.)
It shows a picture of a rod with a mass on each end and it shows a pyramid closer to the left end which is L1 and other end L2
Clockwise
Calculate the total torque about the fulcrum. Each mass exerts a force m g to the rod. Masses on opposite sides exert torques in opposite directions.
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the mag is 20 and the direction is Kanye West
To calculate the net torque on the system, we need to consider the torques produced by both masses.
1. Let's start by finding the torque produced by the mass on the left side (L1).
- The torque produced by a force can be calculated using the equation: torque = force x lever arm.
- In this case, the force is the weight of the mass, which is equal to m * g, where g is the acceleration due to gravity.
- The lever arm is the distance between the pivot point and the line of action of the force. In this case, the lever arm is L1.
- Therefore, the torque produced by the mass on the left side is: torque1 = (m * g) * L1.
2. Now, let's find the torque produced by the mass on the right side (L2).
- Similar to the previous step, the torque produced by the mass on the right side is: torque2 = (m * g) * L2.
3. Finally, to calculate the net torque on the system, we need to consider the direction of the torques.
- Since the force is acting downwards on both sides, the torques will have opposite directions.
- The torque produced by the left mass will tend to rotate the rod clockwise, while the torque produced by the right mass will tend to rotate it counterclockwise.
- As a result, the net torque is given by the difference between the two torques: net torque = torque2 - torque1.
Therefore, the magnitude and direction of the net torque on this system is (m * g * L2) - (m * g * L1), and the direction will depend on the specific values of L1 and L2.