Question

Jasper and Gemma are going to play on a teeter totter. Gemma gets on first. When Jasper gets on, Gemma moves into the air, but she does not move to the top.



Which statement could correctly explain the forces acting on the teeter totter? assume that Jasper and Gemma are the same distance from one another.

The forces are balanced because Jasper weighs the same as Gemma.
The forces are unbalanced because Jasper weighs the same as Gemma.
The forces are balanced because Jasper weighs more than Gemma.
The forces are unbalanced because Jasper weighs more than Gemma.

Answer 1

The forces are unbalanced because Jasper weighs more than Gemma.

Explanation: If they sit the same distance from the fulcrum, a heavier Jasper produces a larger torque on his side, so Jasper's side goes down and Gemma's side lifts. Because the torques are not equal the teeter-totter moves (unbalanced).