Question

A 4.80-m-long, 550 kg steel beam extends horizontally from the point where it has been bolted to the framework of a new building under construction. A 75.0 kg construction worker stands at the far end of the beam.

What is the magnitude of the torque about the point where the beam is bolted into place?

Answer 1

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Gravitational acceleration = g = 9.81 m/s²

Mass of the steel beam = m₁ = 550 kg

Mass of the construction worker = m₂ = 75 kg

Length of the beam = L = 4.8 m

Torque about the point where the beam is bolted = T

T = m₁g(L/2) + m₂gL

T = (550)(9.81)(2.4) + (75)(9.81)(4.8)

T = 16480.8 Nm

Magnitude of the torque about the point where the beam is bolted = 16480.8 Nm