Recent content by LaserWraith

If you had a scale like this one (click), how would it work? The points of attachment seem to be level with the pivot. My physics textbook says that even if the objects are hanging from the pivot bar, it doesn't change the torque (it illustrated that with a seesaw hanging someone over a cliff...

I thought that somehow the force must decrease on the heavier side a bit, but I'm not sure how. Is some of the force of gravity of the heavier object being supported by the bar (which is in turn supported by the fulcrum)? If so, how would I diagram/calculate that?I know the lever arm decreases...

Homework Statement Quote from the question source: Homework Equations None given, but maybe: Torque = lever arm x force The Attempt at a Solution I drew a diagram which you can see here: http://i.minus.com/ibzw9bF4vAnaJ.png (The weight differences are probably very exaggerated.) But I am...