A meter stick is positioned on a horizontal table top such that the 100cm end extends over the edge of the table. A 200 g mass is produced on the 85 cm mark of the meter stick. When the 70 cm mark of the meter stick is on the edge of the table, the meter stick and 200 g mass system is perfectly balanced.

Question

a. What is the mass of the meter stick?
b. What is the magnitude of the normal force (from the table) acting on the meter stick?

How do I solve these two parts?

Answer 1

the center of mass of the stick is at 50 cm , 20 cm from the balance point

a. 15 cm * 200 g = 20 cm * m

b. the normal force equals the weight of the stick and the 200 g mass
... n = g (m + 200 g)