Two identical, massive rods are hinged at one end and connected together by a massless ideal spring.
If the system is in static equilibrium, what is the angle θ (in degrees)?
Details and Assumptions:
- Each rod is 1 m long and has a mass of 1 kg.
- The spring constant is k=50 N/m, and the spring's unstretched length is 1 m.
- The two hinges are 3 m apart horizontally.
- The strength of gravity is 10 m/s2 in the downward, vertical direction.