The discussion revolves around a diving board system supported by two pillars, A and B, with a diver standing at one end. Participants are exploring the directions of the forces exerted at these points, particularly in relation to the concepts of equilibrium and torque.
The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing confusion about the force dynamics at point A, particularly in relation to the see-saw analogy. Some guidance has been offered through analogies, but no consensus has been reached on the mechanics involved.
Participants are grappling with the implications of using different points as fulcrums and the resulting effects on the forces at play. There is an emphasis on understanding the balance of forces and the role of the diver's weight in this system.
Welcome to the PF.STEM_STRUGGLES said:Homework Statement
There is a diving board held up by two pillars A and B, and there is a diver standing on it's edge. What are the directions of the forces exerted at points A and B? Picture Below:
Homework Equations
F_NET = 0
T_NET =0
The Attempt at a Solution
I thought both A and B were pointed upwards since the diver is pushing downwards, but apparently B is upwards and A is downwards.
Oh, wow! I see point B as pointing up now, but what about point A? If I use A as the fulcrum, doesn't that still make it point upwards in order to keep the board from rotating downwards?berkeman said:
B is the fulcrum. Did you never use a see-saw?STEM_STRUGGLES said:
Ok, I'm still confused. Sorry. If B is the fulcrum and it's force is going upwards, I'm still not understanding how A's force is going downwards. Given the see-saw example, the diver is on one end pulling down on the end of the see-saw, and A is somehow pulling downwards even though it's on the bottom? I really appreciate the help!berkeman said:B is the fulcrum. Did you never use a see-saw?
What if the person sitting on the right side of the see-saw is heavier than the person sitting on the left side? What happens to the left side of the see-saw?STEM_STRUGGLES said:
It goes upwards, but I don't know what happens at point A because A is on the underside of the diving board.berkeman said:What if the person sitting on the right side of the see-saw is heavier than the person sitting on the left side? What happens to the left side of the see-saw?
Imagine taking pillar A away. Which way would the part of the board above A move?STEM_STRUGGLES said: