Question

a non-uniform rod xy of mass 40kg and length 5.0m lies on the horizontal ground. Its centre go gravity is 2.0m from the end x. calculate the vertical force p that will just be sufficient to lift the end y from the ground. why would the force p if applied at the end x not be sufficient to lift the end x from the ground

Answer 1

Taking the moments about the end X:

$$PL-mg(L-d)=0\\ P(5)-(40)(9.8)(5-2)=0\\ P=240\ N$$