Edexcel M1 2014 June — Question 4

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM1 (Mechanics 1)
Year2014
SessionJune
TopicMoments

4. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{edcc4603-f006-4c4f-a4e5-063cab41da98-06_262_1132_223_415} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2}
\end{figure} A plank \(A B\), of length 6 m and mass 4 kg , rests in equilibrium horizontally on two supports at \(C\) and \(D\), where \(A C = 2 \mathrm {~m}\) and \(D B = 1 \mathrm {~m}\). A brick of mass 2 kg rests on the plank at \(A\) and a brick of mass 3 kg rests on the plank at \(B\), as shown in Figure 2. The plank is modelled as a uniform rod and all bricks are modelled as particles.
  1. Find the magnitude of the reaction exerted on the plank
    1. by the support at \(C\),
    2. by the support at \(D\). The 3 kg brick is now removed and replaced with a brick of mass \(x \mathrm {~kg}\) at \(B\). The plank remains horizontal and in equilibrium but the reactions on the plank at \(C\) and at \(D\) now have equal magnitude.
  2. Find the value of \(x\).