Where Should the Pivot Point Be Placed to Balance a Seesaw?

  • Thread starter Thread starter answerseeker
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Balance Seesaw
AI Thread Summary
To balance the seesaw with a 70kg adult on one end and a 30kg child on the other, the pivot point must be strategically placed. The adult exerts a force of 686N, while the child exerts 294N, and the board itself contributes 147N. By defining the distance from the pivot to the child as 'x', the distance to the adult becomes '10m - x'. Using the torque equilibrium equation, one can solve for 'x' to find the correct pivot point for balance. This approach ensures the seesaw remains level despite the differing weights.
answerseeker
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
A 70kg adult sits at one end of a 10m board, on other end sits a 30kg child. where should pivot point be placed so board is balanced? board's mass is 15kg.

so far, i have pivot point is 15kg(9.8)=147N (5) <-- half the board length.. for adult i have 686N and kid is 294N. i know that Etorqueccw=Etorquecw ... but I am not sure how to use that for the lengths of both humans, since there are 2 variables. need two eqns then rite? but what's the other eqn?..:confused:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You (should) have one equation and one unknown. Basically, suppose x is the distance from the pivot point the child. Then the distance to the adult from the pivot point is L - x where L is the length of the board. Put it into your torque equation and solve for x.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

What is the distance from the pivot when the seesaw is balanced?
Replies
27
Views
9K
Finding the Distance of a Balanced Seesaw: A Question in Moments
Replies
10
Views
2K
Finding the Pivot Point for a Seesaw Equilibrium
Replies
3
Views
4K
Three bys trying to balance a seesaw
Replies
1
Views
4K
What is the mass of the second child on a seesaw?
Replies
2
Views
3K
3 children and a balancing a seesaw
Replies
3
Views
14K
Where Should the Pivot Be Placed for Balance on a Seesaw?
Replies
4
Views
5K
Rotational Inertia Seesaw Picot
Replies
1
Views
4K
How Far Must the 30 kg Child Sit for Seesaw Equilibrium?
Replies
9
Views
8K
How to Balance a Seesaw with Three Children?
Replies
10
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top