Question

There are two objects on a scale, one on either side of the fulcrum. If one of the objects is much closer to the fulcrum, how must the weight of the second object compare for the scale to be balanced?

a) The object farther from the fulcrum must be heavier.
b) The object farther from the fulcrum must be lighter.
c) The object closer to the fulcrum must be lighter.
d) It is impossible to tell.

Answer 1

To balance the scale when one object is much closer to the fulcrum, the weight of the second object must be greater.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order for the scale to be balanced when two objects are on either side of the fulcrum and one object is much closer to the fulcrum, the weight of the second object must be greater.

This is because the weight of an object is determined by its mass and the force of gravity acting on it. The further an object is from the fulcrum, the greater leverage it has and the more force it exerts on the scale. So, to balance the scale, the second object must be heavier than the first object.

For example, if you have a seesaw with a heavy child sitting closer to the fulcrum and a lighter child sitting further away, the lighter child needs to weigh more to balance the seesaw.