alleryStart learning →A uniform table rests on four legs placed symmetrically about its center of gravity. What fraction of the table weight does each leg support?
AOne half
BOne third
COne fourth
DOne eighth
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. One fourth
1. The four supporting forces are exerted symmetrically about the center of gravity.
2. Taking the center of gravity as pivot, the weight has zero lever arm and contributes no torque.
3. Symmetry then requires the four leg forces to be equal, or the torques would not cancel.
4. Four equal forces adding to the total weight means each is one fourth of that weight.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 9 "Statics and Torque", section 9.4 Applications of Statics, Including Problem-Solving Strategies_
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