Ann and Bob play on a uniform seesaw. The seesaw is 4m long and Ann and Bob weigh 600N and 800N respectively. If both Ann and Bob start at one end of the seesaw and Bob starts to walk up the seesaw at 2m/s, after how long will the seesaw turn?

(expect a diagram of a uniform seesaw with a pivot in the middle, infered from the question)

For the seesaw to turn, Bob must create a greater Moment than Ann.

Moment = Force * Perpedicular distance to pivot

Ann's Moment = 600N * 2m = 1200Nm

Calculate the point at which the moments are equal:

Bob's Moment = 800N * Xm = 1200Nm

solve to find X = 1.5m.

Therefore Bob must have travelled 3.5m.

Use of Speed = Distance / Time, rearanged to Time = Distance / Speed, to find time, t:

t = 3.5m / 2m/s = 1.75s.

AS
Answered by Angus S. Physics tutor

3435 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A bullet is fired horizontally from a rifle 1.5m from the ground at 430m/s. How far does it travel and for how long does it travel before it hits the ground?


How to remember what is Ideal Gas Law?


Calculate the acceleration of particle thats velocity changes from 20ms^-1 to 40ms^-1 in 5 seconds, assuming its constant.


what is a half life of a substance and how can you work it out.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning