Static Equilibrium

For an object to be in equilibrium, resultant of all moments(Principal of moments) must be equal (I.e anti clockwise moments= clockwise moments) & Resultant of all forces (Fres)=0 as well. 

 

AB is the whole length of the rigid rod which is 2.8

Imagine point A at one end and a force acting on it downwards 20N (There is also a contact/reactant/normal force acting on it on the opposing direction so that sets the Fres=0) "If the rod is pivoted at 1.2m from end A" Well the whole length of the rigid rod is 2.8, away from A 1.2m where is the pivot so the pivot away from point B would be 2.8-1.2=1.6m 

 

Now let the pivot be y 

let force that acts on A be z

let force that acts on B be x 

so 

Ay*z must be equal to By*x

we know the distance Ay and By also we know z but we want to find x so that Ay*z=By*x 

so subsituite,

Ay=1.2m

z=20N

By=1.6m

 

1.2*20=1.6*x 

24=1.6*x

x=24/1.6=15N

The force that acts on B so that the rigid rod is in equilibrium is 15N 

If the 20N force is in line with the rod, then there will be no need for any force at B, (and the reaction at the pivot will be 20N).

It's a silly question.

We need to know the angle between the rod and the line of action of the force.