Finding the Distance of a Balanced Seesaw: A Question in Moments

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In summary, the conversation discusses a homework problem involving a child and her father on a seesaw. By using the equation for moments, the father's weight of 824 N and the girl's mass of 46 kg are used to find the distance of the father from the pivot, which is 6.51 meters. The conversation also clarifies the difference between mass and weight, with weight being the force of gravity on an object, which can be calculated using the formula "Weight = Mass * Gravitational Field Strength".
  • #1
Robm50
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Homework Statement


"A child and her father are playing on a seesaw. They are exactly balanced when the girl (mass 46 kg) sits at the end of the seesaw, 2.75m from the pivot. If her father weighs 824 N, how far is he from the pivot?"

Homework Equations


(sum of) clockwise moment(s) = (sum of) anticlockwise moment(s)
moment (Nm) = force (N) * perpendicular distance from pivot to line of action of the force (m)

The Attempt at a Solution


girl is mass 46kg (kilograms) whilst her father has weight 824 N (Newtons)?!
46 x 2.75 = y x 824
126.5 = 6.51 * 824
y = 6.51?
= 6.51 metres from pivot?

Please show how you got your answer =]

Thanks,
Robm50
 
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  • #2
Robm50 said:
126.5 = 6.51 * 824
6.51 * 824 is definitely larger than 126.5 - you have made an arithmetic error.

Edit: Also, the girl has mass 46 kg - not weight 46 N, which is what you seem to be assuming.
 
  • #3
Orodruin said:
6.51 * 824 is definitely larger than 126.5 - you have made an arithmetic error.

Edit: Also, the girl has mass 46 kg - not weight 46 N, which is what you seem to be assuming.

How would I go about solving this problem, then?
 
  • #4
What is the weight corresponding to a mass of 46 kg?
 
  • #5
Orodruin said:
What is the weight corresponding to a mass of 46 kg?

That's exactly my problem; I have no idea how to find such a weight.
 
  • #6
So, what is weight? If you do not know this you need to go back to your course literature and restudy gravitational forces.
 
  • #7
Orodruin said:
So, what is weight? If you do not know this you need to go back to your course literature and restudy gravitational forces.

Weight is the result of the gravitational attraction pulling an object's mass particles towards the Earth

Is that correct?
 
  • #8
Weight is the force with which gravitation pulls an object towards the ground. So how do you compute this force based on the mass of an object?
 
  • #9
Orodruin said:
Weight is the force with which gravitation pulls an object towards the ground. So how do you compute this force based on the mass of an object?

Would it be as simple as by using the formula:

"Weight = Mass * Gravitational Field Strength"?
 
  • #10
Yes. This will give you the weight of an object.
 
  • #11
Orodruin said:
Yes. This will give you the weight of an object.

Thankyou for your help, Sir.
 

1. What is a moment in science?

A moment in science refers to a specific point in time or a brief period of time that is being observed or studied in relation to a particular event or phenomenon.

2. How are moments measured in science?

Moments can be measured using various units of time, such as seconds, minutes, hours, days, or even years. Scientists may also use specialized equipment, such as stopwatches or timers, to accurately measure and record moments.

3. What is the significance of studying moments in science?

Studying moments in science can provide valuable insights and understanding into the natural world and the processes that occur within it. Moments can also help scientists make predictions and draw conclusions about the past, present, and future.

4. Can moments be manipulated in science?

Moments themselves cannot be manipulated, as they are fixed points in time. However, scientists can manipulate variables and conditions surrounding a moment in order to observe and understand how it may affect the outcome of an event or phenomenon.

5. How do moments play a role in data collection and analysis?

Moments are often used as a reference point for data collection and analysis. By recording specific moments, scientists can track changes and patterns over time, and use this information to draw conclusions and make predictions about the natural world.

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