Q. m1 = 43 kg is on a balance beam that sits on (but is not attached to) two supports. The beam has a mass m2 = 108kg and length L = 5m. Each support is 1/3 of the way from each end. Initially the gymnast stands at the left end of the beam.
1) What is the force the left support exerts on beam?
2) What is the force the right support exerts on beam?
3) How much extra mass could the gymnast hold before the beam begins to tip?
4) Now the gymnast (not holding any additional mass) walks directly above right support.
What is the force the left support exerts on beam?
5) What is the force the right support exerts on beam?
6) At what location does the gymnast need to stand to maximize the force on the right support?