Calculate the mass m needed in order to suspend the leg shown in Fig. 12–50. Assume the leg (with cast) has a mass of 15.0 kg, and its cg is 35.0 cm from the hip joint; the cord holding the sling is 78.0 cm from the hip joint.
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15. Rotational Equilibrium
Torque & Equilibrium
Problem 64b
Textbook Question
A pole projects horizontally from the front wall of a shop. A 6.1-kg sign hangs from the pole at a point 2.2 m from the wall (Fig. 12–88). If the pole is not to fall off, there must be another torque exerted to balance it. What exerts this torque? Use a diagram to show how this torque must act.


1
Identify the forces acting on the system: The sign exerts a downward gravitational force due to its weight, which is given by \( F_g = m \cdot g \), where \( m = 6.1 \, \text{kg} \) and \( g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \). This force acts at a distance of 2.2 m from the wall, creating a torque about the point where the pole is attached to the wall.
Understand the concept of torque: Torque is the rotational equivalent of force and is calculated as \( \tau = F \cdot r \cdot \sin(\theta) \), where \( F \) is the force, \( r \) is the distance from the pivot point, and \( \theta \) is the angle between the force and the lever arm. In this case, \( \theta = 90^\circ \), so \( \sin(\theta) = 1 \).
Determine the torque due to the sign: The torque caused by the sign is \( \tau_{\text{sign}} = F_g \cdot r = (m \cdot g) \cdot r \). Substituting the values, \( \tau_{\text{sign}} = (6.1 \cdot 9.8) \cdot 2.2 \). This torque acts in a clockwise direction about the point where the pole is attached to the wall.
Identify the balancing torque: To prevent the pole from falling, there must be an equal and opposite (counterclockwise) torque exerted. This balancing torque is typically provided by a support force at the wall or a tension force in a supporting cable attached to the pole. The direction of this torque must oppose the torque caused by the sign.
Visualize the system: Draw a diagram showing the pole, the sign hanging from it, the gravitational force acting downward at 2.2 m from the wall, and the balancing force (e.g., tension in a cable or a reaction force at the wall) acting at an appropriate angle to create a counterclockwise torque. Ensure the torques are balanced, i.e., \( \tau_{\text{sign}} = \tau_{\text{balancing}} \).

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Torque
Torque is a measure of the rotational force applied to an object, calculated as the product of the force and the distance from the pivot point (lever arm). In this scenario, the weight of the sign creates a torque about the point where the pole is attached to the wall, which must be countered to prevent the pole from tipping over.
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Net Torque & Sign of Torque
Equilibrium
Equilibrium in physics refers to a state where all forces and torques acting on an object are balanced, resulting in no net force or rotation. For the pole to remain stable, the torque produced by the weight of the sign must be balanced by an equal and opposite torque, ensuring that the pole does not rotate or fall.
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Torque & Equilibrium
Support Forces
Support forces are the forces exerted by a surface or structure to counteract the weight of an object resting on it. In this case, the wall provides a support force that helps to balance the torque created by the hanging sign, preventing the pole from falling due to the gravitational force acting on the sign.
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Equilibrium with Multiple Supports
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