How do I calculate the reactant forces for the supports of the beam where the centre of mass is not same distance from each support?

This can be done by taking moments. To reduce the number of equations a moment should  be taken so that one of the forces goes through the centre of place from which moments are being taken. We will choose to do this at one of the supports. Define anti-clockwise moments as postive and work out all the moments about this point by multiplying the force by the distance away from the point at which we are taking moments. As there is no overall acceleration, the sum of the moments must equal zero. This equation can be solved to find one of the reaction forces. The sum of the reaction forces must equal the weight of the beam. Using this the reaction force on the other side of the beam can be found.

BW
Answered by Benjamin W. Maths tutor

5751 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Factorise completely ( x − 4x^3)


find the diffrential of 3sin2x+4cos2x


A particle A rests on a smooth inclined plane, it is connected to a particle B by a light inextensible string that is passed over a fixed smooth pulley at the top of the plane. B hangs freely. Find the acceleration of the system and tension in the string.


A cannon at ground level is firing at a fort 200m away with 20m high walls. It aims at an angle 30 degrees above the horizontal and fires cannonballs at 50m/s. Assuming no air resistance, will the cannonballs fall short, hit the walls or enter the fort?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning