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

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In summary, a simple lever is a basic machine that uses a rigid bar or beam to lift or move objects by applying a force at one end. It works by using a pivot point, or fulcrum, to multiply the input force. There are three types of simple levers: first-class, second-class, and third-class. Some common examples include a see-saw, a crowbar, and a pair of scissors. The advantages of using a simple lever include reducing the amount of force needed, changing the direction of the force, and allowing for precise control and movement of objects. It also makes work easier by spreading the force over a longer distance, reducing strain on the body.
  • #1
bunion
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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
 
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  • #2
Does the slight angle make a difference?

Hint: If the 50 Kg mass is in equilibrium, what force must the lever exert on it?
 
  • #3


Hello,

To calculate the force on one side of a see saw that is slightly angled, we can use the principles of a simple lever. The force on one side of the see saw is equal to the force on the other side, but in the opposite direction. This is known as the law of equilibrium.

To determine the force on one side, we can use the following equation:

F1 = F2 x d2 / d1

Where F1 is the force on one side, F2 is the force on the other side, d1 is the distance from the fulcrum to the force on one side, and d2 is the distance from the fulcrum to the force on the other side.

In this case, since the weights on each side are equal, we can represent F1 and F2 as W (weight) and d1 and d2 as x. So the equation becomes:

W = W x x2 / x1

Since the see saw is slightly angled, the distances x1 and x2 will not be equal. To find the values of x1 and x2, we can use trigonometry. We know that the see saw is slightly angled, so we can use the tangent function to find the values of x1 and x2.

tanθ = opposite / adjacent

In this case, the angle θ is the angle of the see saw, the opposite side is the height difference between the two sides, and the adjacent side is the distance from the fulcrum to the force on one side (x1). So we can rearrange the equation to solve for x1:

x1 = (x2 x tanθ) / 1

Now that we have the value of x1, we can plug it into the original equation to calculate the force on one side:

W = W x x2 / (x2 x tanθ)

W = W x (1/tanθ)

Therefore, the force on one side of the see saw is equal to the weight multiplied by the inverse tangent of the angle of the see saw. This can be calculated using a scientific calculator or by looking up the value in a trigonometric table.

I hope this explanation helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
 

What is a simple lever?

A simple lever is a basic machine consisting of a rigid bar or beam that rotates around a fixed point called the fulcrum. It is used to lift or move objects by applying a force at one end of the lever.

How does a simple lever work?

A simple lever works by using a pivot point, or fulcrum, to multiply the input force and make it easier to lift a heavy object. The longer the distance between the fulcrum and the input force, the more the input force is multiplied.

What are the three types of simple levers?

The three types of simple levers are first-class, second-class, and third-class. In a first-class lever, the fulcrum is located between the input force and the load. In a second-class lever, the load is between the fulcrum and the input force. In a third-class lever, the input force is between the fulcrum and the load.

What are some examples of simple levers?

Some examples of simple levers include a see-saw, a crowbar, and a pair of scissors. In a see-saw, the fulcrum is in the middle and the two children sitting on either end are the input force and the load. In a crowbar, the fulcrum is at one end, the object being lifted is the load, and the person applying the force is the input force. In a pair of scissors, the pivot point is the fulcrum, the blades are the load, and the person squeezing the handles is the input force.

What are the advantages of using a simple lever?

The advantages of using a simple lever include: reducing the amount of force needed to move a heavy object, changing the direction of the force, and allowing for precise control and movement of objects. Simple levers also make work easier by spreading the force over a longer distance, reducing the amount of strain on the body.

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