Physics – 1.5.2 Turning effect of forces | e-Consult
1.5.2 Turning effect of forces (1 questions)
Diagram: (A simple diagram showing a seesaw with the fulcrum in the middle, effort on one side and load on the other. Arrows should indicate the direction of force and the perpendicular distance from the fulcrum.)
Explanation: A seesaw is a lever. The fulcrum is the pivot point. The effort is the force applied to lift the load. The load is the weight being lifted. For a seesaw to be balanced (in equilibrium), the moment of effort must equal the moment of load. This is because the moments on either side of the fulcrum must be equal for rotational equilibrium.
Calculation:
| Effort (Fe): | 200 N |
| Distance from Fulcrum (Df): | 1.5 m |
| Load (Fl): | 100 N |
| Distance from Fulcrum (Df): | 2.5 m |
| Moment of Effort = Fe × Df = 200 N × 1.5 m = 300 Nm | |
| Moment of Load = Fl × Df = 100 N × 2.5 m = 250 Nm | |
| Since Moment of Effort ≠ Moment of Load, the seesaw is not balanced. |
Answer: A seesaw works as a lever by providing a mechanical advantage. The moment of effort must equal the moment of load for the seesaw to be balanced. The diagram illustrates the fulcrum, effort, and load. The calculation demonstrates how to determine if a seesaw is balanced by comparing the moments of effort and load.