Torque Balance for Equilibrium Steps:

• Locate center of mass of uniform beam: midpoint at 0.3 m from left end, so 0.1 m right of pivot.
• Compute torques (g ≈ 9.8 m/s², clockwise positive): 6 kg load at 0.15 m left gives -6 × 9.8 × 0.15 = -8.82 Nm; 3 kg at 0.35 m right gives +3 × 9.8 × 0.35 = +10.29 Nm; beam gives +1.4 × 9.8 × 0.1 = +1.372 Nm.
• Sum net torque: 10.29 + 1.372 - 8.82 = +2.842 Nm (clockwise).
• Applied torque at P: 2.8 Nm counterclockwise to balance.

Why D is correct:

• Equals magnitude of net torque from weights, per rotational equilibrium condition ∑τ = 0.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Underestimates by ignoring gravitational acceleration g and full mass contributions.
• B: Measures force (N), not torque (Nm).
• C: Gives force value (0.29 N) without multiplying by g or distances properly.

Final answer: D