Question

Two identical masses are placed on a meter stick that can support the masses as shown below. What would happen if F1 was moved half the distance closer to the fulcrum.
A. The meter stick remains balanced

B. The meter stick tips and remains angled toward F1

C. The meter stick tips and remains angled toward F2

D. The pivot point no longer stays in the middle of the meter stick

Answer 1

Answer: C

The meter stick tips and remains angled toward F2

Explanation: Since the two masses are identical. Initially we assume that the clockwise moment = anticlockwise moment

If F1 was moved half the distance closer to the fulcrum, the anticlockwise moment will reduce which will cause instability in the system. The meter stick then tips and remains angled toward F2

Please find the attached file for the figure