A student needs to find the tension in a cable that supports the right end of a…
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A student needs to find the tension in a cable that supports the right end of a horizontal beam. The beam is also attached to a wall by a hinge at its left end. To minimize algebra when applying the torque equilibrium condition, the student should choose which point as the pivot?
(a) The point where the cable attaches to the beam
(b) The hinge at the wall
(c) The center of mass of the beam
(d) A point halfway between the hinge and the cable attachment