Chapter 12, Problem 2P

Why is the following situation impossible? A uniform beam of mass m_k = 3.00 kg and length ℓ = 1.00 m supports blocks with masses m₁ = 5.00 kg and m₂ = 15.0 kg at two positions as shown in Figure P12.2. The beam rests on two triangular blocks, with point P a distance d = 0.300 m to the right of the center of gravity of the beam. The position of the object of mass m₂ is adjusted along the length of the beam until the normal force on the beam at O is zero.

Figure P12.2