A weightless beam rests on two supports. The beam supports a weight of 120 newtons. What are the magnitudes of the forces on each end ( A & B) of the beam?
IT depends on where the supports are, and where the weight is.
the supports are on each end and the weight is in the middle
To determine the magnitudes of the forces on each end of the beam, we need to consider the concept of equilibrium. In equilibrium, the sum of all the forces acting on an object is zero.
In this case, since the beam is weightless, we only need to consider the weight being supported, which is 120 newtons. Since the beam is at rest, the net force acting on it is zero.
Let's assume that the force on end A is F_A and the force on end B is F_B. Since the beam is in equilibrium, the sum of the forces acting on it is zero. We can set up the equation:
F_A + F_B - 120 N = 0
Simplifying the equation:
F_A + F_B = 120 N
Since the beam is weightless, the magnitudes of the forces on each end of the beam must be equal. Therefore, we can divide the equation by 2:
F_A/2 + F_B/2 = 60 N
This means that each end of the beam supports a force of 60 newtons. The magnitudes of the forces on each end are both 60 newtons.