Two blocks, each of mass m, are attached to the ends of a massless rod which pivots as shown in Figure 8-40. Initially the rod is held in the horizontal position and then released. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the net torque on this system. (Express your answer in terms of m, g for gravity, L_1 for L1, and L_2 for L2.)

Question

Two blocks, each of mass m, are attached to the ends of a massless rod which pivots as shown in Figure 8-40. Initially the rod is held in the horizontal position and then released. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the net torque on this system. (Express your answer in terms of m, g for gravity, L_1 for L1, and L_2 for L2.)
It shows a picture of a rod with a mass on each end and it shows a pyramid closer to the left end which is L1 and other end L2

Jim · Accepted Answer

Clockwise

drwls · Answer

Calculate the total torque about the fulcrum. Each mass exerts a force m g to the rod. Masses on opposite sides exert torques in opposite directions. We will gladly critique your work.

nickel · Answer

the mag is 20 and the direction is Kanye West