Question

Zane and phoebe are sitting on opposite ends of a teeter-totter that is 4.00 m long with the pivot point in the exact center. zane weighs 433 n and phoebe weighs 321 n. what torque does zane\'s weight exert? what torque does phoebe\'s weight exert?

Answer 1

Refer to the diagram shown.

By definition,
Torque = Force * Distance
where
Distance is the distance from the fulcrum to the line of action of the force.
A torque is considered as positive if it creates a counterclockwise moment.

Zane applies a force of 433 N at a distance of 2 m.
The torque is
T = (433 N)*(2 m) = 866 N-m

Phoebe applies a force of 321 N at a distance of 2 m.
The torque is
T = - (321 N)*(2 m) = - 642 N-m

Answer:
Zane: 866 N-m
Phoebe: - 642 N-m