How many times further away from the pivot point of a seesaw does someone of double the weight have to sit in order for the it to balance?

Sum of moments in equilibrium must equal 0. The sum of clockwise moments must equal the sum of anticlockwise moments. W1 is the force exerted on the seesaw by the heavy person at distance D1 from the pivot and W2 is the force exerted by the lighter person at distance D2 from the pivot. Moment = perpendicular distance * forceW1 = 2 * W2Therefore, in order for the system to be in equilibrium, W1D1 = W2D2. Rewritten as 2W2D1 = W2D2.W2 cancels out and we are left with the ratio of distances from the people to the pivot point, D1/D2 = 1/2

RM
Answered by River M. Physics tutor

2600 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

In a doppler shift why does a moving source show no increase in speed of the mechanical waves emitted?


The maximum speed this cyclist can travel on a level road is 14 m/s. How does cycling uphill affect the maximum speed of this cyclist? Explain your answer.


A person swims from a depth of 0.5m to 1.7m below the surface of the sea. Denisty Sea Water = 1030 kg/m^3. g=Gravitational Field Strength = 9.8 N/kg. Calculate the change in pressure on the swimmer and give the unit.


Draw a graph depicting a skydivers speed against time when jumping from a plane, until he deploys his parachute, explaining the logic of your answer through the forces applicable to the body.


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences