On a balanced seesaw, a boy three times as heavy as his partner sits
A)less than 1/3 the distance from the fulcrum.
B)1/3 the distance from the fulcrum.
C)more than 1/3 the distance from the fulcrum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For the seesaw to be balanced, the moments (torque) around the fulcrum must be equal. The moment is the product of the force (in this case, weight) and the distance from the fulcrum. If the boy is three times as heavy, he must sit 1/3 the distance from the fulcrum compared to his partner to balance the seesaw.

On a Balanced Seesaw, a Boy Three Times as Heavy