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Fisicks
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Homework Statement
Water stands at a height h behind a vertical dam of uniform width b.
Show that the torque about the base of the dam due to this force can be considered to act with a lever arm equal to h/3.
Homework Equations
F=PA
T=Fr(perpendicular)
The Attempt at a Solution
Im picturing a giant dam in my head and I just do not see how reducing the height to 1/3, will have the same torque. I also calculated the entire force on the dam which is pg(h^2)b/2.
Another part of the question is For a freestanding concrete dam of uniform thickness t and height h, what minimum thickness is needed to prevent overturning? and nothing is coming to mind.
Thanks for your help,
Fisicks