Question

Arthur (mass 79 kg) and Violet (mass 50 kg) are trying to play on a seesaw. If Violet sits 4 m from the fulcrum, at what distance from the fulcrum should Arthur sit

Answer 1

Hi there!

There are two torques acting on the system:

τ (Arthur) = RW = R(790N)

τ (Violet) = RW = 4(500N) = 2000N

∑τ = 0 = τ(Violet) - τ(Arthur)

Thus:

τ(Violet) = τ(Arthur)

2000 = 790R

R ≈ 2.53m