Question

A metre scale is pivoted at its mid point. A 0.60 N weight is suspended
from one end. How far from the other end must a 1 N weight be suspended for
the rule to balance ?

Answer 1

In solving this problem, we will assume that the metre scale has no weight

Taking moments;

Anticlockwise moments = clockwise moments

0.6 x 50 = 1 x y (y is the distance of the second force from the centre)

y = 30

This means the 1N force must be suspended (50 - 30) = 20 cm from the other end.

The answer is 20 cm.