The problem states explicitly that the forces are assumed to act where the bridge meets the supports. I’d go with the rounding option.TSny said:
Yes, I overlooked the comment about the location of the forces. Thanks.Orodruin said:
Moments in physics refer to the turning effect produced by a force acting on an object at some distance from a pivot point. It is calculated as the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force.
The moment of a force is calculated using the formula: Moment = Force × Distance, where the force is measured in newtons (N) and the distance is measured in meters (m). The distance is the perpendicular distance from the pivot point to the line of action of the force.
Incorrect moment calculations can result from several factors, including using the wrong distance (not perpendicular to the force), incorrect force values, or not considering all forces acting on the object. Ensure all measurements are accurate and correctly oriented.
The direction of a moment is determined by the direction of the force and the point of application relative to the pivot. Moments can be clockwise or counterclockwise. Use the right-hand rule: if your right-hand fingers curl in the direction of the force, your thumb points in the direction of the moment.
The principle of moments states that for an object in equilibrium, the sum of the clockwise moments about a pivot point must equal the sum of the counterclockwise moments about that same point. This principle helps in solving problems involving multiple forces and moments.