Tough physics question – help please?

Question by Michel: Tough physics question – help please?
A uniform meter stick of mass 1.5kg is attached to the wall by a frictionless hinge at one end. On the opposite end it is supported by a vertical massless string such that the stick makes an angle of 40 degrees with the horizontal.

1. Find the tension in the string and the magnitude and direction of the force exerted on the stick by the hinge.
2. Suppose the string is cut. Find the angular acceleration of the stick immediately thereafter.

I’m not even sure how to start this problem. Anything helpful would be great =) Thanks.

Here is the figure:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/78408750@N07/8223573447/in/photostream

Best answer:

Answer by playinmyblues
You can start your answer to this question by constructing a free body diagram (FBD).

If you are unsure how to make an FBD then read up on it in your textbook or check out the term on this website:
WISC-ONLINE.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!