A horizontal pole is attached to the side of a building. There is a pivot P at the wall and a chain is connected from the end of the pole to a point higher up the wall. There is a tension force F in the chain. What is the moment of the force F about the pivot P?

Fscos63

Explanation:

Given that a horizontal pole is attached to the side of a building. There is a pivot P at the wall and a chain is connected from the end of the pole to a point higher up the wall. There is a tension force F in the chain. What is the moment of the force F about the pivot P?

Taking the moment from the pivot point P, that means the moment at point p = 0

Then, if we consider the weight mg of the pole, according to the principle of equilibrium : sum of the upward forces equal to the sum of the downward forces.

Therefore, mg = Fsinø (1)

Also, taking moment at point P

Let the length of the pole = s

The length of the weight of the pole = 1/2 S

Fscosø = mgs/2

The distance s will cancel out

2Fcosø = mg (3)

Substitute mg in equation 1 into equation 3

2fcosø = fsinø

F will cancel out

Tanø = 2

Ø = tan^-1(2)

Ø = 63.4 degree

The moment of force F about pivot point P will be

Moment = force × distance

Moment = Fcos63 × S

Moment = Fscos63