Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyLoad Distribution and Balancing

A heavy generator is suspended horizontally by two vertical cables, Cable X on the left and Cable Y on the right. The center of gravity of the generator is located closer to Cable Y. Which of the following describes the load distribution between the two cables?

  1. A
    Cable X carries more of the load than Cable Y.
  2. Cable Y carries more of the load than Cable X.Answer
  3. C
    Cable X and Cable Y carry equal amounts of the load.
  4. D
    The distribution depends entirely on the generator's total mass, not its center of gravity.

Answer

Cable Y carries more of the load than Cable X.
In mechanical comprehension, when a load is supported by multiple points, the support closer to the object's center of gravity must carry a proportionally larger share of the weight to maintain static equilibrium. Since the generator's center of gravity is closer to Cable Y, Cable Y bears the greater load.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the location of the supports and the center of gravity.
Cable X is on the left, Cable Y is on the right, and the center of gravity is closer to Cable Y.
Understanding the geometry of the setup is the first step in determining load distribution.
2
Apply the principle of load distribution and equilibrium.
The support closer to the center of gravity must provide a larger upward reaction force to balance the weight.
The center of gravity acts as the specific point where the entire downward force of the object's mass is concentrated.
3
Determine which cable carries the greater load.
Cable Y carries a greater portion of the generator's weight.
Because Cable Y is physically closer to the concentration of the downward force, it must support more of the load than Cable X.

Key Concept

In a system with multiple supports, the support closest to the object's center of gravity carries the greatest proportion of the load.
Rate this question

Topics

Load Distribution and Balancing

More questions from this topic