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thousandsaints

#1

May 2, 2008

I really need help understanding this problem. I'd be really thankful if someone could
explain it to me.
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A man is attempting to raise a 7.5 m long, 29 kg agpole that has a hinge at the base by
pulling on a rope attached to the top of the pole. The gure of the problem is below as an
attachment
With what force does the man have to pull on the rope to hold the pole motionless in this
position?
2. Relevant equations

=F*r

Net torque = 0
3. The attempt at a solution
I tried nding the torque caused the weight of the agpole, and then the torque caused by the man. From that I tried nding the force
which the man exerts. But I can't nd the correct answer.
Torque from gravity = w*r

=mg*Lcos(

) =(9.81*29)*7.5cos30 = 1848 Nm
Torque from the man = F*r

= F*Ltan

= F*7.5tan20 = F*2.73m
The two torque values should equal each other. so...
1848 Nm = F*2.73m
F= 1848 Nm / 2.73
F= 676.8 N
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/torqueequilibruimproblem.232785/

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TorqueEquilibruimProblem|PhysicsForumsTheFusionofScienceandCommunity
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Last edited: May 2, 2008

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#2

May 2, 2008

#3

May 2, 2008

What is the question asking for? You haven't really stated that.

Science Advisor

lzkelley

Your general method will work assuming your trying to nd equilibrium (i.e. the pole isn't
moving).
The problem with the details of your calculation however, is the gravity.
For any uniform (in density) object, you can treat the force of gravity as acting on the
center of mass (not the end of the pole which you have done in the equation).
It might help if you draw a free body diagram of the pole, to help visualize the difference in
radii.

thousandsaints

#4

May 2, 2008

#5

May 3, 2008

sorry about that. I edited the post above.

The question is:
With what force does the man have to pull on the rope to hold the pole motionless in this position?

tiny-tim
Welcome to PF!

thousandsaints said:
Science Advisor
Homework Helper

Torque from gravity = w*r =mg*Lcos() =(9.81*29)*7.5cos30 = 1848 Nm

Torque from the man = F*r = F*Ltan = F*7.5tan20 = F*2.73m

Hi thousandsaints! Welcome to PF!

(You haven't said, but I assume you're taking torques about the end of the pole on the
ground).
In the rst equation, you only need half the length (as lzkelley says)!
In the second equation, I suspect you've drawn the wrong right-angled triangle it isn't tan20.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/torqueequilibruimproblem.232785/

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