Beam Suspended by Four Cords: Centre of Gravity
A statics demonstration in which the perpendicular cord bears the whole weight
A small diagram shows a horizontal beam hung from four cords fixed at different points above it, all converging to support the beam at its centre of gravity. The accompanying note argues that of these cords the one that hangs perpendicular to the beam sustains the whole load. The figure is a compact study in statics and equilibrium about the centre of gravity.
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The perpendicular cord bears the whole weight
If the cords are all attached above the beam, beyond its centre of gravity, at different places, and all combine to support the beam at its centre of gravity, then the one that stands perpendicular to it sustains the whole. The cords are labelled f d c a - b.