Two men are carrying a uniform bar of length L on their shoulders. The...
Understanding the Load Distribution
When two men are carrying a uniform bar, the load distribution depends on their positions and how much of the bar's weight each of them supports. In this scenario, the younger man at one end takes 1/4th of the load.
Load on Each Man
- The total weight of the bar can be represented as W.
- The younger man carries 1/4th of the load:
- Load on younger man = W/4
- Load on older man = W - W/4 = 3W/4
Finding the Distance from the End
To find the distance of the older man from the end of the bar where the younger man is positioned:
1. Set Up the System:
- Let the younger man be at point A (0 distance).
- Let the older man be at point B, which we need to determine.
2. Balance the Moments:
- The bar is uniform, so its center of mass is at L/2.
- For the system to be in equilibrium, the moments around any point must balance.
3. Calculate the Moment:
- Moment due to younger man: (W/4) * 0 = 0 (no distance to consider)
- Moment due to older man at distance x from the younger man: (3W/4) * (L - x)
4. Equilibrium Condition:
- Set the sum of moments around the center of mass:
(W/4) * (L/2) = (3W/4) * (L - x)
5. Solve for x:
- Simplifying gives:
x = (3L)/8
Conclusion
Thus, the distance of the older man from the end of the bar where the younger man is positioned is 3L/8. This indicates that the older man stands closer to the center of the bar, ensuring a balanced load distribution.