For the seesaw depicted in the diagram, which of the following will happen? Assume all the mass is distributed at the end of the seesaw arm and that the mass of the seesaw itself is negligible.

Question

anonymous · Answer

heres the picture

anonymous · Answer

For this question you have to calculate the moment of force on the seesaw caused by each of the masses on the ends. A moment of force is a measurement of turning power, and it is sometimes also called torque.

$$torque = force \times distance$$

and the distance you have to use is the distance between the where the force is being applied and the axis of rotation. So in other words, the distances between the masses at the ends of the seesaw and the pivot in the middle of the seesaw.

Calculate the torques caused by each of the two masses, then compare them and you'll know what happens to the seesaw.