A lighter person sitting closer to the pivot point of a seesaw exerts a smaller torque compared to a heavier person sitting farther from the pivot point. This difference in torque allows the heavier person to be lifted. The principle involved is torque, or the rotational force, in relation to the pivot point.
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A seesaw is an example of a first-class lever. The fulcrum, which is the part of the lever that does not move, is in the middle. The resistance, which is the weight (person) you are trying to lift is at one end. The effort, which is the force applied to the lever, is the person sitting on the other end.
Bianca is sitting closer to the fulcrum on the seesaw. The distance from the fulcrum is determined by the weight of the person, so the lighter person will be closer to the fulcrum when the seesaw is balanced.
The fulcrum should be moved closer to the child in order for the child to lift the adult. Placing the fulcrum closer to the lighter weight (child) increases the mechanical advantage, allowing the child to exert a greater force and lift the heavier weight (adult).
A seesaw makes work easier by transferring the force required to lift one end to the other end. This allows for less force to be exerted to raise an object on one side of the seesaw, making it easier to lift heavier objects with the leverage it provides.
No, a seesaw is a simple machine that pivots on a fulcrum, allowing two people to move up and down. An inclined plane is a flat surface that is sloped to help lift objects to a higher level with less force. They function differently and serve different purposes.