A seesaw is in equilibrium when a 25-kg child sits 3 m to the left of the fulcrum and a 38-kg child sits 2 m to the right of the fulcrum. If the 25-kg child moves to the right, how must the 38-kg child's distance L from the fulcrum change for the seesaw to remain in equilibrium?A.L must decrease, because the torque produced by the 25-kg child decreases.B.L must not change, because each child's weight is constant.C.L must not change, because the torque produced by the 25-kg child is constant.D.L must increase, because the torque produced by the 25-kg increases.
Question
A seesaw is in equilibrium when a 25-kg child sits 3 m to the left of the fulcrum and a 38-kg child sits 2 m to the right of the fulcrum. If the 25-kg child moves to the right, how must the 38-kg child's distance L from the fulcrum change for the seesaw to remain in equilibrium?A.L must decrease, because the torque produced by the 25-kg child decreases.B.L must not change, because each child's weight is constant.C.L must not change, because the torque produced by the 25-kg child is constant.D.L must increase, because the torque produced by the 25-kg increases.
Solution
The correct answer is D. L must increase, because the torque produced by the 25-kg child increases.
Here's why:
The torque (rotational force) on a seesaw is determined by the product of the force applied (in this case, the weight of the child) and the distance from the fulcrum (the pivot point of the seesaw). This is given by the formula Torque = Force x Distance.
In the initial scenario, the seesaw is in equilibrium, meaning the total torque on both sides of the fulcrum is equal. This gives us the equation:
(25 kg x 3 m) = (38 kg x 2 m)
When the 25-kg child moves to the right, the distance from the fulcrum decreases, which decreases the torque they produce. To keep the seesaw in equilibrium, the torque on the other side must also decrease. This can be achieved by the 38-kg child moving closer to the fulcrum, which decreases their distance and hence the torque they produce.
Therefore, for the seesaw to remain in equilibrium when the 25-kg child moves to the right, the 38-kg child's distance L from the fulcrum must increase.
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