Did you know?
In this scenario, where a meter stick is pivoted at 20cm from one end and balanced horizontally, a weight of 1.5N is attached to achieve equilibrium. By balancing the forces acting on the meter stick, we can determine the weight of the stick itself. Using the principle of torque, it can be calculated that the weight of the stick is equal to 1.5N multiplied by the ratio of the distance from the pivot to the weight's attachment point (80cm) to the distance from the pivot to the center of mass of the stick. This equation allows us to find the weight of the stick without directly measuring it, thus demonstrating the interplay between various forces and moments in equilibrium.