Two people are lifting a 2.0-m wide, 80-kg, office desk by the ends. One side is heavier than the other, and it is found that the person exerting the larger force is exerting a vertical force of 500 N. How far from that person is the center of mass of the desk?
A)0.73 m
B)1.3 m
C)1.4 m
D)0.58 m
E)1.0 m

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The total weight of the desk is 80 kg * 9.8 m/s² = 784 N. If one person exerts 500 N, the other exerts 284 N. Using the principle of moments (torque), the center of mass is closer to the person exerting the larger force. The distance from the center of mass to the person exerting 500 N is (284 N / 784 N) * 2.0 m = 0.73 m.

Two People Are Lifting a 2