Question

Bart, mass 35.1 kilograms, and Milhouse, mass 24.0 kilograms, play on the schoolyard seesaw. If Bart and Milhouse want to sit 2.9 meters apart, how far from the center of the seesaw should Bart sit?

Answer 1

We can use the definition of moment of force given by:

`\tau=F* r`

Where:

τ = magnitude of the torque

F = Force

r = the distance from the point about which the torque is being measured to the point where the force is applied

For Milhouse:

`\begin{gathered} \tau=24\cdot rm \\ rm=2.9-rb \\ \tau=24\cdot(2.9-rb) \end{gathered}`

For Bart:

`\begin{gathered} \tau=35.1\cdot rb \\ \end{gathered}`

Equaling the previous equations:

`\begin{gathered} 35.1\cdot rb=24(2.9-rb) \\ 35.1rb=69.6-24rb \\ 59.1rb=69.6 \\ rb=(69.6)/(59.1) \\ rb=1.178m \end{gathered}`

Answer:

Approximately 1.178m