If one child is replaced with another child having double weight then calculate the distance of the see saw in equilibrium

Answer 1

Let's assume that the weight of the original child is 'w'.

If the original child is replaced with another child having double the weight, the weight of the substitute child would be 2w.

To maintain equilibrium on the seesaw, the torque on both sides of the fulcrum must be equal. The torque is calculated by multiplying the weight by the distance from the fulcrum.

Let's assume the distance between the original child and the fulcrum is 'd'.

So, the torque on the left side of the fulcrum is 'w × d'.

Now, when the original child is replaced with another child having a weight of 2w, the new distance from the fulcrum (let's call it 'x') needs to be calculated, so that the torque on both sides remains equal.

The torque on the right side with the new child is '2w × x'.

Since the seesaw is in equilibrium, torque on both sides should be equal:

w × d = 2w × x

Simplifying the equation further:
d = 2x

Therefore, the distance of the seesaw in equilibrium is twice the distance from the fulcrum to the substitute child.