Calculating Force on a Slightly Angled See Saw - Simple Lever Question Explained

Thread starter bunion
Start date Apr 14, 2007
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Lever

AI Thread Summary

To calculate the force exerted on a slightly angled seesaw with equal weights, one must consider the angle's impact on torque and balance. The force exerted by the lever must counteract the gravitational force acting on the mass, which is 50 kg in this scenario. The angle affects the distribution of weight and the lever arm's effectiveness in creating torque. Therefore, the force in Newtons can be determined by analyzing the equilibrium condition and applying the principles of torque. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for accurately calculating the forces involved in this lever system.

Apr 14, 2007

bunion

Hi, if you have a see saw with equal weights on each side, but it is at a slight angle; how do you calculate the force in Newtons on one side which is making it balance?

Please see the picture:

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/6870/questionlw6.gif

Thankyou

Last edited by a moderator: May 2, 2017

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Apr 14, 2007

Doc Al

Mentor

Does the slight angle make a difference?

Hint: If the 50 Kg mass is in equilibrium, what force must the lever exert on it?

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