What Are the Forces in Equilibrium for a Weight Hanging on a Rod?

In summary, the problem involves a light rod attached to a wall with a hinge and a wire, holding a weight with mass m in equilibrium. The force diagram shows the green arrows representing the forces, with the aim to determine the force with which the hinge affects the rod (Fc) and the tension force in the wire (T). The conditions for equilibrium are written and torque is taken around the attachment point on the wall. However, forgetting the vertical reaction at O and ignoring W_r may lead to an incorrect solution.
  • #1
laurids
3
0

Homework Statement


A light rod is holding a weight with mass m in equilibrium. The rod is attached to the wall with a hinge and a wire as shown on the figure.

http://sveskekat.dk/files/uploads/phys_4.PNG

Problem:
Draw a force diagram of the rod and determine the force with which the hinge affects the rod and the tension force in the wire.

The Attempt at a Solution


I did the force diagram as shown on the figure, with the green arrows as the forces.
I want to determine
The force with which the hinge affects the rod, Fc.
The tension force in the wire, T.

I have that Ww = mg.

I wrote up the conditions for equilibrium,
[tex]\sum F_x = F_c - T cos(45) = 0[/tex]
[tex]\sum F_y = T sin(45) - W_r - mg = 0[/tex]

I do torque around the attachment point on the wall,
[tex]\sum \tau = 2amg + aW_r - aF_c = 0[/tex]

But trying to solve for e.g. [tex]F_c[/tex] now gives me
[tex]F_c = cos(45) \frac{F_c - mg}{sin(45)} = F_c - mg[/tex],
which is kinda bad. What am I doing wrong??
 
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  • #2
Since it is given that the rod is light, you can ignore W_r. But you are forgetting the vertical reaction at O.
 
  • #3
Hi Jay, thanks. I will ignore W_r then. How should the vertical reaction at O look like? Should it be another component, or should it be part of F_c?

Thanks.
 
  • #4
Call it a component O_y, acting vertical, perpendicular to F_c (which you probably should be referring to as O_x instead of F_c).
 

FAQ: What Are the Forces in Equilibrium for a Weight Hanging on a Rod?

What is meant by "system in equilibrium"?

A system in equilibrium refers to a state in which all the forces and factors acting on the system are balanced, resulting in a stable and unchanging state. This means that the system has reached a point where there is no net change in its properties or behavior over time.

How can we determine if a system is in equilibrium?

To determine if a system is in equilibrium, we need to analyze the forces and factors acting on the system and check if they are balanced. If the sum of all forces and factors is zero, then the system is in equilibrium. This can be represented mathematically using equations such as the laws of motion or thermodynamics.

What are the different types of equilibrium?

There are three types of equilibrium: static, dynamic, and thermodynamic. Static equilibrium refers to a system that is at rest and has no motion. Dynamic equilibrium occurs when a system is in motion but there is no net change in its properties or behavior. Thermodynamic equilibrium refers to a state where all parts of the system have reached the same temperature, pressure, and other properties.

How does a system reach equilibrium?

A system can reach equilibrium through various processes such as diffusion, osmosis, chemical reactions, and thermal equilibrium. In these processes, the system gradually adjusts to reach a state where all forces and factors are balanced. This can take place over a period of time until the system reaches a stable state of equilibrium.

What happens if a system is not in equilibrium?

If a system is not in equilibrium, it means that there is a net force or factor acting on the system, causing it to change over time. This can result in various effects, such as motion, chemical reactions, or changes in temperature and pressure. In order for the system to reach equilibrium, these imbalances must be resolved through the appropriate processes.

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