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IGCSE · 1 · multiple choice

Motion, forces and energy · Question 4

Motion, forces and energy · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.

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Uniform beam pivoted at its centre with a weight hanging on each side4.0 N8.0 N0.80 mduniform beampivotnot to scale
Fig. 4.1A uniform beam rests on a pivot standing on the ground, the pivot placed at the centre of the beam. A 4.0 N weight hangs from the beam at a point 0.80 m to the left of the pivot, and an 8.0 N weight hangs to the right of the pivot at a distance marked d. Both distances are measured along the beam from the pivot. The drawing is not to scale.
multiple choice1 mark

A uniform beam is pivoted at its centre. A weight of 4.0 N hangs 0.80 m from the pivot on the left-hand side. A weight of 8.0 N is hung on the right-hand side so that the beam balances. How far from the pivot is the 8.0 N weight?

  1. A

    0.20 m

  2. B

    0.40 m

  3. C

    0.80 m

  4. D

    1.6 m

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Answer overviewCorrect answer: B — 0.40 m
01

Answer and reasoning

1 mark
How to approach it

Predict from the governing principle before looking for a matching option. Then reject alternatives by checking direction, units, limiting behaviour or the physical meaning of each statement.

  1. 1

    The correct choice is B: 0.40 m

  2. 2

    D doubles the distance instead of halving it — the error of a candidate who has memorised that the moments are equal but not thought about which way the ratio runs.

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