Physics - Rotation Question with Solution | TestHub

Let $m_1$ and $m_2$ be the masses of pan

It is given that $m_1=m_2$



Since balance is achieved, so net torque about $O$ should be zero.
$\left(5mg+m_{1}g\right)r_1=\left(m_{2}g\right)r_2$
$\Rightarrow \left(5mg+m_{1}g\right)r_1=\left(m_{1}g\right)r_2$
$\Rightarrow \frac{r_1}{r_2}=\frac{m_{1}g}{m_{1}g+5mg}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{r_1}{r_2}<1$

So, left arm is shorter than the right arm.