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 wheelbarrow acts as a lever, where the wheel serves as the pivot. The torque generated by the load in the wheelbarrow must be balanced by the torque exerted by the person lifting it to maintain equilibrium.
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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. In the context of the wheelbarrow, the weight of the load and the wheelbarrow itself must be countered by the lifting force applied by the person. Understanding equilibrium is crucial for determining how much weight can be lifted without exceeding the person's lifting capacity.
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Center of Gravity
The center of gravity is the point at which the weight of an object is evenly distributed in all directions. For the wheelbarrow, the center of gravity is located at a specific distance from the wheel, affecting how the load is balanced and how torque is calculated. Knowing the center of gravity helps in analyzing the stability of the wheelbarrow when lifting and the effective load that can be managed.
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