See Saw Balance: Heavier Person & Fulcrum

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a seesaw, specifically examining the balance between two individuals of differing weights. The subject area pertains to concepts of torque and equilibrium in mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore whether the position of the heavier person relative to the fulcrum affects the balance of the seesaw. Questions about the relationship between weight and distance from the fulcrum are raised.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various perspectives on the problem, with some participants affirming the need for the heavier person to sit closer to the fulcrum. There is a mix of supportive comments and light-hearted remarks, but no definitive consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions a medical condition that affects their ability to engage with the problem, which introduces an element of personal context to the discussion.

Lula Belle
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If a person weighing 100 lbs is on a see saw with someone weighing 50 lbs, does the heavier person need to be closer to the fulcrum so that the see saw will balance?
 
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What do you think?
 
I am so sorry to have asked such a stupid question. I have a medical condition that prevents me from figuring things out as well as I once did. Please forgive me.
 
No need to apologize, it's not a stupid question.
 
Whatever the condition was, was the cure a lobotomy?
 
no, a lobotomy doesn't help with Multiple Sclerosis.
 
Yes. The fat guy needs to sit closer.

Yes, the fat guy would have to sit closer to the fulcrum. If he weighs twice as much as the anorexic guy, he would have to sit twice as far away from the fulcrum as the fat guy. Therefore, the force of the skinny guy and the fat guy are balanced and they don't drop. Amazing. *happyface*
 

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