Worksheet 4.

1
Balancing problems
Solve some problems for systems in equilibrium.
1 In each of the diagrams below, the beam is balanced. Calculate the
unknown force X or the unknown distance x.

2 Look at the beam below. Is it balanced? If not, in which direction will it

tend to turn?

3 The block shown below rests on a pivot and is acted on by four forces.

a Which force has no turning effect? Explain your answer.

b For each of the other three forces, calculate its turning effect and state
whether it acts clockwise or anticlockwise.
Cambridge University Press 2014
Worksheet 4.11

IGCSE Physics

4 In the diagram below, the 40N force is balancing the weight of the beam.

a Copy the diagram and mark the centre of mass of the beam. Add an
arrow to represent the weight W of the beam.
b The beam is in equilibrium (balanced). Use this fact to calculate the
weight of the beam.
c Calculate the mass of the beam (acceleration due to gravity g 10
m/s2).

Cambridge University Press 2014

Worksheet 4.12

IGCSE Physics