Chapter 12, Problem 61P

Figure 12.31 shows a popular system for mounting bookshelves. An aluminum bracket is mounted on a vertical aluminum support by small tabs inserted into vertical slots. Contact between the bracket and support occurs only at the upper tab and at the bottom of the bracket, 4.5 cm below the upper tab. If each bracket in the shelf system supports 32 kg of books, with the center of gravity 12 cm out from the vertical support, what is the horizontal component of the force exerted on the upper bracket tab?

FIGURE 12.31 Problem 55