1. Physics
2. Classical Mechanics
3. Equilibrium
4. 12384

This content was COPIED from BrainMass.com - View the original, and get the already-completed solution here!

I am trying to help my brother (in high school) understand how to solve rotational equilibrium problems. What he needs is an explanation on how to approach these problems. I understand each problem is different, but I imagine there must be a general method for solving them. I have put a problem below so that hopefully you could apply the explanation/method to an example to clarify things. Thank you.

Problem:

1) A uniform bridge 20.0 m long and weighing 4.00x10^5 N is supported by two pillars located 3.00 m from each end. If a 1.96x10^4 N car is parked 8.00 m from one end of the bridge, how much force does each pillar exert?