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 around a pivot point. It is calculated as the product of the force applied and the distance from the pivot point to the line of action of the force, often expressed in the formula τ = r × F, where τ is torque, r is the distance, and F is the force. In this scenario, the weight of the sign creates a downward force that generates torque about the point where the pole meets the wall.
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Net Torque & Sign of Torque
Center of Mass
The center of mass is the point in an object where its mass is evenly distributed in all directions. For a uniform object, like the sign, the center of mass is typically at its geometric center. Understanding the location of the center of mass is crucial for calculating the torque, as the force of gravity acts through this point, affecting the torque produced about the pivot.
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Equilibrium
Equilibrium refers to a state where the sum of forces and the sum of torques acting on an object are zero, resulting in no net movement. In this problem, analyzing the torque due to the sign helps determine if the pole can support the sign without tipping or rotating. If the torque from the sign exceeds the counteracting torque from the pole's support, the system will not be in equilibrium.
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