Fig. 2.1 illustrates a bed that folds up against a wall in the daytime. In the horizontal position, it is held up on one side by a hinge and on the other side by two legs. The weight $W$ of the bed acts through its centre of mass, which is $0.35\,\text{m}$ horizontally from the hinge.
(a)[1]
The bed has a mass of $26\,\text{kg}$. The gravitational field strength is $10\,\text{N kg}^{-1}$. Calculate the weight $W$ of the bed.
(b(i))[2]
State the principle of moments
(b(ii))[3]
Find the magnitude of the total upward force applied to the bed by the two legs when the bed is horizontal.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “260\,\text{N}” …