The cg of the 50.0 N pole held by the pole vaulter is 2.00 m from the left hand, and the hands are

0.700 m apart. Calculate the force exerted by each hand.

1 answer

This is a problem of levers which can be solved by taking moments.

Three forces are involved, L the left hand, R the right hand, and W the weight of the pole equal to 50N.

It is not clear but will be assumed that the cg of the pole is 2.00m to the left of the left hand, as follows.

---------------W---2.0----L--0.7--R----

Take moments about L, then forces W and R are both acting downwards so as not to create a couple.
2.0W=0.7R
Solve for R (knowing that W=50N)

Now take moments about R, i.e. put a fulcrum at R.
To counter the rotation created by the downwards force W, L must act upwards.
2.7W=0.7L
Solve for L.