Background Question 1: A 60 kilogram parent sits on a seesaw, 1 meter to the rig

Question

Background Question 1: A 60 kilogram parent sits on a seesaw, 1 meter to the right of the pivot (as pictured in figure 1). How far to the left should a 30 kilogram child sit in order to balance the seesaw? Justify your answer by showing your work on the slide. 30 kg 60 kg 1 m Background Question 2: You will answer this question in three parts: (a) Before doing any calculations, make a prediction. Do you think the force F will be larger, smaller, or the same as the child's weight w? (b) Now do the calculation: Express the upward force F exerted by the rope in terms of W, L, and r. (c) Finally, evaluate your prediction in light of the previous result. Remember that r is always smaller than L. Was your prediction correct? If not, are you surprised by this result? F'

Explanation / Answer

1]

To balance a seesaw is to have a net torque on the seesaw to be zero

so, the sum of clockwise moments = sum of anticlockwise moments

=> 60(9.8)(1) = 30(9.8)x

=> x = 2 m

so, the child should sit 2 meters to the left for the seesaw to remain stationary.

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